Rugby player Israel Folau, Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby announced they’ve reached a settlement in a carefully crafted statement, but Equality advocates say one vital component was missing – an apology to the LGBTIQ+ communities.
Rugby Australia stated their commitment to equality and apologised to Folau for the trouble his dismissal has caused, while Folau in turn offered an apology to the game of rugby.
In the statement Folau and Rugby’s governing bodies say he never meant to cause any harm or offence with his biblical statements, and he is opposed to discrimination on a the basis of sexuality. The statement also says Folau is committed to the values of inclusiveness and diversity.
Rodney Croome from advocacy group just.equal says one vital thing is missing though, an apology to LGBTIQ+ people. While Folau says he’ll be making no further comment on the issue – Croome says there is unfinished business.
“He should apologise to the LGBTI community for the harm he caused, he should say sorry to the rugby community for the disruption he caused the sport, and he should refund the money he raised for his defence in court.” Croome said.
Croome also says now is the time for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to act and permanently kill off his plans for a religious discrimination bill.
“The poisoned legacy of the Folau furore is a religious freedom bill no one wants and no one supports. The resolution of Israel Folau’s case is as good a time as any to ditch it.
OIP Staff
