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Israel Folau’s spacious estate hits the market

<p dir="ltr">Rugby star Israel Folau and his wife Maria are offloading their Kenthurst estate in New South Wales with a price tag nearly double what they paid for it.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple bought the home for $2.1 million in 2015 - while Folau was still playing for the NSW Waratahs - and have listed the two-hectare property with a price guide between $3.5 and $3.85 million through Bella Vista agent Lucy Jensen, per <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/expatriate-rugby-star-israel-folau-and-wife-maria-list-kenthurst-estate/news-story/75f647b2b73698d4d7c9d5c81ec541bf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home is on “one of the best blocks in Kenthurst”, according to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-kenthurst-700198079?rsf=syn:news:nca:news:spa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>, and features a ballroom-like combined dining and lounge area, a home theatre with a combustion fireplace, and one double bedroom that could be split in two for extra space.</p> <p dir="ltr">The property also boasts a free-standing studio, in-ground pool, and a huge shed, along with plenty of space both out the front and out the back of the home.</p> <p dir="ltr">The decision to sell comes after the sportsman decided to play rugby union in Japan last year, and follows the couple’s recent acquisitions in Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this year, Folau spent $1.28 million on a Hamptoms-inspired home to the south of Brisbane, which followed the $1.5 million purchase of acreage at Brookfield, west of Brisbane.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5099ee23-7fff-93df-0902-7fb6c422d16f"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: @issyfolau (Instagram), Realestate.com.au</em></p>

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Israel Folau's NRL return hits a dead end

<p>The St George Illawarra Dragons have withdrawn their interest in signing controversial footballer Israel Folau after they faced heavy backlash.</p> <p>In a bombshell report, it was revealed that the Dragons had made a major move to recruit Folau back into the NRL.</p> <p>The Dragons had reportedly begun to move forward with their plans to recruit Folau, who would most likely play in the centres if a contract was ratified.</p> <p>The club unsurprisingly faced a wave of criticism, forcing the Dragons to quickly backtrack on their decision.</p> <p>“While the Dragons did enquire about signing Folau, the club can confirm that such discussions have now ceased,” the club confirmed in a statement.</p> <p>According to NewsCorp, the 31-year-old's return to the NRL has hit a brick wall, but he reportedly eager to explore other opportunities within the league.</p> <p>Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V’landys has previously said Folau’s views on homosexuality were not welcome in the NRL.</p> <p>“The game is inclusive. Israel’s comments are not inclusive,” V’landys said in October 2019.</p> <p>“When I was a kid and kids used to get bashed up because they were different, I used to go and defend them. And a lot of them, it’s because their role models or their peers made them that way.</p> <p>“I have no tolerance for people that put other people’s lives (at risk) or (who commit) violence. It’s a big statement to make. With due respect to Israel, what he says, young kids listen to. He is a role model. They act on it. And when you’re a kid at school and you get bashed up because you’re different, I don’t think that’s a good thing.”</p>

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Karl Stefanovic slams Israel Folau's possible return as "appalling"

<p>The NRL has been urged to "take a stand" and ban Israel Folau for good, as rumours about his return continue to swirl.</p> <p>The Dragons are reportedly attempting to bring Folau back into the game on a two-year deal, with the club submitting an application to the NRL to allow the 31-year-old to play.</p> <p>Folau caused controversy in 2019 after voicing his discriminatory views on homosexuality, which saw him being stood down from the Wallabies.</p> <p>Karl Stefanovic said the return was "appalling" and urged the NRL to fight back.</p> <p>"I think it is an appalling decision by the NRL to allow him back into the code," Stefanovic said.</p> <p>"I think it's way out of line. Given what he said and the hurt he caused. To just somehow then say, 'you know what, it's OK because he doesn't have a platform for his beliefs'.</p> <p>"He has never apologised for his beliefs. He still believes in that. He still is a homophobe.</p> <p>"The NRL needs to take a stand on this stuff and they need to take it now... He is not changing his behaviour. He's not changing his views.</p> <p>"But let's let him play because he can't go on social media? That's an absolute cop out."</p> <p>If Folau returns, he may have some strict conditions, with the Dragons reportedly set to include social media clauses in his contract.</p> <p>Stefanovic's co-host Ally Langdon said this is not enough.</p> <p>"Just looking at his Instagram page this morning, that very offensive quote is still there," she said.</p> <p>"And perhaps he won't now post other offensive remarks such as this. But he still preaches at church...he still holds these beliefs.</p> <p>"It's been filmed and it's still being released. So by bringing him back into the league, I think you are still giving him a platform."</p>

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Israel Folau and Rugby Australia reach million dollar settlement

<p>Rugby Australia and disgraced sportsman Israel Folau have reportedly ended their bitter legal battle after months of back and forth, for a reported $8 million. </p> <p>According to reports, RA apologised to the former Wallabies fullback star in an out-of-court settlement on Wednesday to avoid a lengthy court battle. </p> <p>Folau, whose contract was terminated after writing “hell awaits” gay people, among others, in an Instagram post in April, was seeking $14 million in compensation. </p> <p>While the exact amount is still to be revealed, The Daily Telegraph reported Falou agreed to an $8 million settlement. </p> <p>Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle told stakeholders the details of the settlement were confidential.</p> <p>“The terms of the settlement are confidential but importantly Israel's legal claim has been withdrawn and whilst we were very confident in our legal position, this outcome provides certainty for Rugby Australia and allows us to avoid incurring ongoing legal costs and the risks and distractions of a lengthy trial,” she said. </p> <p>RA maintains they firmly disagree with the post made by Folau in April.<span> </span></p> <p>Folau says he and his wife Maria feel “vindicated” by Wednesday’s settlement.</p> <p>“We are extremely pleased with the settlement reached today," Folau said in a video.</p> <p>“Maria and I would like to thank God for his guidance and strength,' he said.</p> <p>“Thank you to our supporters for their thoughts and prayers, in particular our families, our congregation as well as Martyn Iles and the Australian Christian Lobby.”</p> <p>Folau hopes their case will lead to greater religious freedom.  </p> <p>“We started this journey on behalf of all people of faith to protect their rights of freedom of speech and religion,” he said.</p> <p>“We now look forward to the federal government enacting the legislation necessary to further protect and strengthen these rights for all Australians.”</p> <p>Rugby Australia issued a statement where they said: “The social media post reflected Mr Folau's genuinely held religious beliefs, and Mr Folau did not intend to harm or offend any person when he uploaded the social media post.”</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7RPbOWqlA74" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Folau has released his own apology where he said he wants all Australians to know “that he does not condone discrimination of any kind against any person on the ground of their sexuality and that he shares Rugby Australia's commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.</p> <p>“Similarly, Mr Folau did not intend to hurt or harm the game of rugby and acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused.”</p> <p>While the former cross-coder footballer did not announce any plans to return to his beloved sport – he says he looks forward to “moving on with his life” to “focus on his faith”.</p> <p><strong>UPDATE:<span> </span></strong>Castle fronted media speculation on Thursday to refute the “wildly inaccurate” settlement amount reported. </p> <p>"Folau settlement numbers are confidential but numbers being speculated are wildly inaccurate," Castle said in a tweet on Thursday morning.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Folau settlement numbers are confidential but numbers being speculated are wildly inaccurate</p> — Raelene Castle (@raelenecastle) <a href="https://twitter.com/raelenecastle/status/1202322497661616128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Castle further reiterated the nature of the settlement is strictly confidential and cannot be discussed in detail. </p> <p>"I can't talk about the settlement numbers, but we're in a better position than if we went to court," Castle said.</p> <p>"We had a number that we knew was more cost effective to us to settle."</p> <p>Castle said the decision was a "commercial decision" and a "normal process" aimed at avoiding the risk of paying more if court proceedings didn't go their way.</p> <p>"It allows us to not have the uncertainty of a trial," she told reporters.</p> <p>"We didn't get it wrong.</p> <p>"At the end of the day we stood up for the values of Rugby Australia of inclusiveness."</p> <p> </p>

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Peter FitzSimons slams Israel Folau’s “absurd” claims

<p><span>Peter FitzSimons has laid waste to Israel Folau’s claims he could have captained the Wallabies to a World Cup win. </span></p> <p><span>Earlier this year, Folau was let go from his contract with Rugby Australia for anti-gay comments made on social media, and is in the process of demanding $14 million in damages, further claiming he could have been a Wallabies skipper </span></p> <p><span>The star lodged an updated statement of claim in the Federal Circuit Court, where he has upped his compensation demands from $10 million to $14 million. </span></p> <p><span>Former rugby star turned journalist and author FitzSimons has laid waste to Folau’s claims and has Gina step further to slam his “worrying” beliefs about gay marriage and bushfires. </span></p> <p><span>“It just gets ever more absurd,” FitzSimons incredulously told TVNZ. </span></p> <p><span>“From a distance, I just thought, ‘What? Captain?’... but Michael Cheika, who was the Wallabies coach of course, he moved through seven vice-captains.</span></p> <p><span>“Now, if Michael Cheika had seven vice-captains and Israel Folau wasn’t one of them, I think by definition he was a very unlikely man to be captain.”</span></p> <p><span>FitzSimons said he and a current Wallaby team member, who he decided not to name, discussed Folau’s captaincy claim and the player “burst into laughter”.</span></p> <p><span>"The last time Australian rugby had a fullback as captain was in 1980. It was Paul McLean, it was one Test, and after that the theory in Australian rugby was that fullback was too far from the main game to be the captain, so the tradition in Australian rugby is we don’t have a fullback as a captain,” FitzSimons said.</span></p> <p><span>“I find the claim absolutely absurd.”</span></p> <p><span>Folau made headlines again recently for claiming Australia’s bushfires, which took six lives over its tenure, were a result of legalising same-sex marriage and abortion - a claim FitzSimons has labelled as worrying.</span></p> <p><span>“It doesn’t have the closest grip on reality and I worry about that kind of stuff,” he said.</span></p> <p><span>“If he actually believes that, then I respectfully submit his remaining friends need to sit him down, give him a hug and say, ‘C’mon mate, we’ve got to get you some help here. This is not real’.”</span></p> <p><span>Folau said his contract termination will cost him $4.2 million from 2019-2022, as well as $300,000 in match payments from 2019-2021.</span></p> <p><span>He also has made claims he stood to make up to $1.5 million a season with an overseas club for two-to-three years when his contract with RA was up.</span></p> <p><span>Lost sponsorship dollars, the missed revenue of competing at World Cups and the possibility of captaining the national team were also used to justify the controversial star’s new $14 million demand.</span></p>

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“Completely deluded”: Fiery backlash after Israel Folau linked Aussie bushfires to abortion and same-sex marriage

<p>Ex-Wallabies star Israel Folau ruffled feathers after claiming that the bushfires that have devastated Australia and left six dead are God’s punishment for legalising abortion and same-sex marriage.</p> <p>The 10-minute recording has Folau, 30, saying that the timing of the bushfire crisis is no coincidence, but a taste of God’s judgement should nothing change.</p> <p>“I’ve been looking around at the events that’s been happening in Australia, this past couple of weeks, with all the natural disasters, the bushfires and the droughts,” he says.</p> <p>He then reads from the Book of Isaiah in the Bible: “The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt. Therefore, earth’s inhabitants are burned up, and very few are left.”</p> <p>Folau continued with his sermon, saying that it’s okay to “murder” unborn children.</p> <p>“The events that have happened here in Australia, in the last couple of years – God’s word says for a man and a woman to be together … they’ve come and changed this law,” he says.</p> <p>“Abortion, it’s OK now to murder, kill infants, unborn children.”</p> <p>“Look how rapid these bushfires these droughts, all these things have come in a short period of time. Do you think it’s a coincidence or not?</p> <p>“God is speaking to you guys. Australia, you need to repent and take these laws and turn it back to what is right.”</p> <p>Many have hit back at his comments, including a Twitter account run by “God”.</p> <p>“Don’t tell me how to do My job, Izzy. I don’t go to your job and … oh wait, you don’t have a job anymore,” the Twitter account “TheTweetofGod” wrote.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Don't tell me how to do My job, Izzy. I don't go to your job and... oh wait, you don't have a job anymore.<br /><a href="https://t.co/B9nnjYNg5l">https://t.co/B9nnjYNg5l</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/smh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@smh</a></p> — God (@TheTweetOfGod) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTweetOfGod/status/1196232777676386305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">18 November 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Hillsong Church Founder Brian Houston tweeted a message of support to Australians impacted by the bushfires, with a shot at Folau saying:</p> <p>“Pray for your Nation, don’t condemn it.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Pray for your Nation, don’t condemn it. 🇦🇺<br /><br />John 3:17.<br />“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” <a href="https://t.co/MWT0cSGXB3">https://t.co/MWT0cSGXB3</a></p> — Brian Houston (@BrianCHouston) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianCHouston/status/1196323979134263297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">18 November 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Ex-Ireland rugby player Allan Quinlan told<span> </span><em>Off The Ball</em><span> </span>that Folau has “lost the plot”.</p> <p>“It’s becoming sad at this stage. This guy is obviously completely deluded,” Quinlan said. “It’s shocking bulls*** that he is continuously preaching to people. Some will argue that it is just him preaching in his church, but he knows it is going to get out.</p> <p>“I’d say now, aside from believing any of this stuff, he’s damaging his case against Rugby Australia even more so, and I don’t think he’ll ever win that case.</p> <p>“People talk about free speech, but this is crazy speech. He’s saying it is out of love, but people have died here – Jesus, did you ever hear such crap in all your life?! There’s no way back for this guy now.”</p> <p>Even Prime Minister Scott Morrison denounced the comments from Folau.</p> <p>“I thought these were appallingly insensitive comments,” Morrison said to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/fiery-reaction-after-israel-folau-links-australian-bushfires-to-same-sex-marriage/news-story/35d07139e6ba4b69fae67a3388071a97" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“They were appalling comments and he is a free citizen, he can say whatever he likes. But that doesn’t mean he can’t have regard to the grievous offence this would have caused to people whose homes have been burnt down.</p> <p>“And I’m sure to many Christians around Australia for whom that is not their view at all and who’s thoughts and prayers, let me stress, are very much with those who are suffering.”</p>

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“God is speaking to you”: Israel Folau preaches that bushfires and drought are God’s punishment for abortion and same-sex marriage

<p>Israel Folau has caused further outrage by suggesting that the current bushfires and drought that is ravaging Australia is God’s punishment for legalising same-sex marriage and abortion.</p> <p>Folau spoke at The Truth of Jesus Christ Church in Kenshurt, north west of Sydney.</p> <p>“The message I mainly want to speak about today is mainly for the people who are outside within the world,” he began. “I’ve been looking around at the events that have been happening around Australia in the last couple of weeks with the bushfires and the droughts and all these things that are currently happening.”</p> <p>"I'm doing this out of love for people to be able to hear this message and receive it with open hearts."</p> <p>He said that Australians could solve the problems within the country by repealing these laws.</p> <p>"I am speaking to Australia - they have changed this law and changed the ordinance," he said.</p> <p>"They have changed that law and legalised same-sex marriage and now those things are okay in society, going against the laws of what God says.</p> <p>“Abortion - it's okay now to murder and kill infants, unborn children, and they deem that to be okay,” he continued.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F592277641115135%2Fvideos%2F528446637884157%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>"This scripture is speaking to Australia. You have changed the law and changed the ordinance. Look how rapid these bushfires, these droughts, all these things that came in a short period time.</p> <p>"You think it's a coincidence or not? God is speaking to you guys, Australia, you need to repent and you need to take these laws and turn it back to following what is right by God, what God says in his word."</p> <p>Many people have been outraged by his comments, as four people have died in NSW alone and bushfires continue to threaten homes in NSW and QLD.</p> <p>However, Folau warned that the worst is yet to come.</p> <p>"What you see out there in the world, it's only a little taste of what God's judgment is like," he said.</p> <p>"The news now are saying that these bushfires are the worst they've ever seen in Australia - they haven’t even seen anything."</p> <p>Longtime supporter and 2GB radio host Alan Jones is usually a fan of Folau, but has quickly urged him to “button up”.</p> <p>“Israel is a lovely human being, I know him well. Israel, button up. Button up.</p> <p>“These comments don’t help.”</p>

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"The game is inclusive": Rugby boss's powerful statement on Israel Folau

<p><span>On his second day as chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, Peter V’landys slammed Israel Folau in a statement on inclusiveness in rugby league.</span></p> <p><span>Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, V’landys said the NRL will not be reopening its doors to Folau after the footballer shared anti-gay comments on social media earlier this year.</span></p> <p><span>“The game is inclusive. The comments of Israel are not inclusive,” V’landys said. </span></p> <p><span>“Israel has to understand he is a role model. As a role model, he has a duty. When I was at school and kids used to get bashed up because they were different, I used to go and defend them. I have no tolerance for people who put other people’s lives into violence or whatever. </span></p> <p><span>“With due respect to Israel, young kids listen to it. He is a role model. They act on it … Rugby league is inclusive. So I am not in any which way reversing or looking at the decision of Israel Folau.”</span></p> <p><span>V’landys, who migrated to Australia with his family as a four-year-old from Greece, said he could have ended up in jail without the inclusivity of rugby league. </span></p> <p><span>“I came out here as a four-year-old migrant, stayed in Wollongong and went to school and I was very isolated. Didn’t know anyone, couldn’t speak any English,” he said.</span></p> <p><span>“The only way that I was able to be a part of the community was to play rugby league and that’s the sole reason I’m on this commission, is I want to repay the debt that rugby league gave me in my life because without rugby league, I could be in jail.</span></p> <p><span>“I could be anywhere because it set my path in life forward because I was accepted and included as an Australian.</span></p> <p><span>“I think we need to be more inclusive and I think the greatest asset our game has is it is very inclusive. We need to attract the Asian communities and the new communities.”</span></p> <p><span>In May, Folau’s contract was terminated due to a breach of the players’ code of conduct after the Wallabies star shared Instagram posts saying hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers” and others.</span></p> <p><span>V’landys took up the role of ARLC chairman on October 30 after being unanimously elected to the position, replacing Peter Beattie. V’landys also maintains his role as the chief executive of Racing NSW.</span></p> <p>“I’m not delusional, I think rugby league is going to be hard,” V’landys told <em><a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-australian-magazine/first-racing-now-rugby-league-peter-vlandys-raises-the-stakes/news-story/621e9c8ce19c1f43348b8996ced3d124">The Australian</a></em>. “And there’s just as many self-interest groups as there are in racing. As long as people don’t get personal and as long as people knock me for my decisions and not my personality, then I’ll be OK.”</p>

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“Utter disbelief”: Wallabies player’s mother involved in Israel Folau scandal

<p>Wallabies players are said to be in “utter disbelief” after a mother of young Wallabies star Jordan Petaia has admitted to “infiltrating” Israel Folau’s church.</p> <p>Helen Petaia confessed to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/wallabies-mother-infiltrates-church-run-by-israel-folaus-father/news-story/8ba7761db554bea22040c64a981e1037" target="_blank">The Herald Sun</a></em><span> </span>that she was the anonymous parent who had gone undercover in Folau’s church to learn more about it.</p> <p>She explained that she became concerned when Folau started inviting players to the church that was set up by his father Eni in 2013. The church is called the Truth of Jesus Christ Church.</p> <p>"I honestly do not want my son involved in what I have come to understand is false teachings and counterfeit Christianity,” she told <em>The Herald.</em></p> <p>Helen explained that it “disturbed her greatly” after deciding to attend the church for herself.</p> <p>“I’ve gone, I’ve checked it out and I would call them an isolated hate group.”</p> <p>However, her actions might have had the opposite effect as the Wallabies camp has sent a flood of messages of support for Folau.</p> <p>According to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/mother-of-wallabies-star-jordan-petaia-infiltrates-church-run-by-israel-folaus-father/news-story/582fd00bbcfc19736916671db0f5ac72" target="_blank"><em>The Australian</em></a>, “many of the messages expressed players’ disappointment and ‘utter disbelief’ that Petaia’s mother had gone to such ‘extreme lengths’, going to the media to warn of Folau’s ­religious beliefs and her concerns about his influence on young rugby players.”</p> <p>Helen has since spoken out about the controversy, saying that Folau’s father Eni has said that she’s “going to hell”.</p> <p>“I have no doubt many Christian parents would be concerned if their child was to become entangled in the false teachings and religious practices Israel Folau endorses,” she told <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/jordan-petaias-infiltrated-israel-folaus-church-to-protect-her-son/news-story/1815de9c460381a387a6c4e6584de084" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a></em>.</p> <p>“There are many Christian leaders who agree with my assessment of the Folau church.”</p>

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“Not ashamed”: Israel Folau speaks out after quiet streak

<p>Former Rugby player has declared he is “not ashamed” of his actions or views in the wake of the controversial scandal which cost him his lucrative Australian Rugby Union contract. </p> <p>The disgraced NSW Rugby player has surfaced to support Australian Christian Lobby chief Martyn Iles and announced he will be speaking at the <em style="font-weight: inherit;">Not Ashamed </em>conference on October 19 in Sydney. </p> <p>Folau, who was last pictured watching his wife Maria play netball in July has stated in a youtube video he would be a keynote speaker at the lobby’s national conference. </p> <p>“Hey guys, it’s Israel Folau here, looking forward to being at the Not Ashamed conference on the 19th of October, see you all there,” he said.</p> <p>A statement of the event details stated the message of the conference would be focussing on the need to “speak truth against lies.”</p> <p>“Not Ashamed is an event to equip Christians in this generation to grow in our knowledge of the truth, especially in its application to this changing world around us,” the website reads.</p> <p>“We live in times when once again we must boldly, unashamedly, shine the light in dark places and speak truth against lies. It is time to stand firm.</p> <p>“This conviction, boldness, and confidence in the truth fuelled the efforts of the early Church, spreading the Christian faith like wildfire through a pagan world.</p> <p>“As our own culture changes, truth is stumbling in the public squares, and the light of the Gospel itself is growing dim.</p> <p>“Our desire is to recover that same conviction, boldness, and confidence that Paul spoke of when he declared he was not ashamed to share God’s truth and the Gospel.”</p> <p>The lobby has stated Folau will be sharing his “story in person.”</p> <p>While his unfair dismissal case against Rugby Australia is still underway and scheduled to go to court in February 2020, the former rugby player will be unable to publicly comment on the dispute. </p> <p>The unfair dismissal case will center around his sacking after he took aim at homosexuals and the LGBTQ community, where he stated “the devil is trying to instil” homosexuality and gender fluidity into the world. </p> <p>Folau’s contract was officially terminated by Rugby Australia in May after he took to social media to post an image which stated homosexuals, adulterers and others would go to hell. </p> <p>It was not his first outlandish post or statement on his social profiles, he also stated homosexuals would go to “hell, if they do not repent.”</p> <p>Rugby Australia also said the post he made breached its professional players code of conduct, a decision that was upheld by an independent tribunal.</p> <p> </p>

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Mixed emotions in Folau household as Maria and Israel face their weekends

<p>The Folau couple have endured very different weekends as they have usually reserved Sunday nights for sport.</p> <p>Israel Folau was forced to watch on as his former Wallabies teammates secured a record-setting win over New Zealand at a whopping 47-26. This means that they are in the running to win the Bledisloe Cup.</p> <p>The Wallabies have secured bragging rights for the first time since 2002 and was a surprising outcome for Aussie fans and rugby players alike as they were forced to watch the same outcome for the last 17 years.</p> <p>One can only imagine how Israel felt as his former teammates have put on a memorable performance at the sport he used to play.</p> <p>Many rugby fans were curious as to how the Wallabies would fill the backline hole that was left by Israel’s absence, but if the rugby team can continue to perform as they did on Saturday night, he might not be as missed as much as everyone thought.</p> <p>As Israel continues to fight for his $10 million payout saying that he did nothing wrong and that he shouldn’t be punished for his post on Instagram saying that gay people are destined for hell if they don’t repent for their sins, it appears that the national team has moved on without him.</p> <p>Things were looking up for his wife, Maria, as she led the Adelaide Thunderbirds to a 71-59 win over the Queensland Firebirds on Sunday.</p> <p>Maria was efficient on the court, finishing with 35 goals from 38 attempts in front of a packed stadium in Queensland.</p> <p>“I was a fangirl of her when I was growing up and still am,” Thunderbirds centre Hannah Petty said of the New Zealand international to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-and-wife-maria-endure-mixed-fortunes-over-the-weekend/news-story/996810094793fe53267232ee8468ec75" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“She's full of confidence and helps everyone around her.</p> <p>“Maria's the calmest customer I've come across. Every time you look at her when you're feeling a bit rattled, she says take a deep breath.</p> <p>“She makes everyone play better.”</p>

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The apple doesn’t fall from the tree! Israel Folau’s cousin loses job over religious comments

<p>The cousin of rugby star Israel Folau has reportedly left his job at a Catholic school days after he was reportedly quoted speaking against the Catholic Church. </p> <p>Josiah Folau was an employee at St Gregory’s Catholic College in Campbelltown in South West Sydney and attends the same church as his elder cousin. </p> <p>The 20-year-old was recently quoted saying the Catholic Church was the “synagogue of Satan.”</p> <p>Ben Fordham, 2GB radio show host, reported Folau’s religious beliefs was part of the reason he decided to part with St Gregory’s. </p> <p>“I’m told his employment came to an end,” Fordham said. </p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 282.23270440251576px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829170/dailies-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/435a190e2e1f418d8bd188e3b3be7a23" /></p> <p>Folau is a member of The Truth of Jesus Christ Church in Kenthurst in north west Sydney - the same as Israel. </p> <p>He is often seen translating his uncle’s Tongan preachings into English. </p> <p>His latest Instagram posts are similar to his famous rugby star cousin’s who posts religious remarks often. </p> <p>Recently he posted a graphic that read: “If it was a sin 100 years ago, it’s still a sin today. Don’t water down the gospel for this offended generation.”</p> <p>Last month, <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/" target="_blank">Sydney Morning Herald</a></em> reported Josiah saying: “Any devout Catholic person IS NOT A SAVED CHRISTIAN WHATSOEVER (his capitals). Look at Catholic doctrine, almost 100 per cent of it is false and is filled with lies.”</p> <p>He was also reported to have said, “Roman Catholicism is masked devil worship” and the Catholic Church was the “synagogue of Satan.”</p> <p>Fordham said Folau and St Gregory’s have made it unclear why they severed their relationship. </p> <p>“We don’t know if Josiah’s Instagram post or his comments on the Catholic Church are what led to employment coming to an end at St Gregory’s,” he said.</p> <p>The Catholic school released a statement that has come from the headmaster Lee MacMaster. </p> <p>“We have met with Josiah recently and in our discussions, Josiah has made the decision to discontinue his casual employment at St Gregory’s College. We respect Josiah’s privacy in this matter,” Ms MacMaster said.</p>

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"I have been left with no choice": Israel Folau commences legal action

<p>Israel Folau has begun to take legal action against his former employers Rugby Australia (RA) and the NSW Waratahs for unfair dismissal.</p> <p>The decision shortly followed after the former Wallaby player and RA failed to come to an agreement at a mediation hearing at the Fair Work Commission on June 28. </p> <p>"Unfortunately, our conciliation before the Fair Work Commission did not resolve the matters between us and I have been left with no choice but to commence court action," Folau said in a statement on Thursday.</p> <p>Folau’s multi-million dollar contract was terminated after he shared a social media post that said homosexuals and adulterers, among others, would go to hell. </p> <p>RA said the post breached its professional player's code of conduct – a decision backed right up to an independent tribunal.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I confirm I have commenced court proceedings against Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs. Thank you to those who have supported me over this journey – it has meant so much to Maria and me. God bless. <a href="https://t.co/Ojgw9uRw79">pic.twitter.com/Ojgw9uRw79</a></p> — Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) <a href="https://twitter.com/IzzyFolau/status/1156686026900795392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Folau says he was unfairly dismissed on religious grounds and is arguing for $10 million in damages, as well as his contract to be reinstated. </p> <p>More than 20,000 people have donated $2.2 million to help fund Folau’s legal battle through a campaign page set up by the Australian Christian Lobby. </p> <p>In a statement thanking his supporters, the former rugby player wrote: “I have been blessed to have received the support of tens of thousands of Australians throughout my journey, and I want to say thank you to everyone who has offered their prayers and support. It has meant so much to (wife) Maria and me over the last few months and gives us strength for the road ahead,” he said.</p>

Money & Banking

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“Two points I want to address”: Senator Penny Wong delivers a message to Israel Folau

<p>Labor Senator Penny Wong had a two-fold statement to give to Israel Folau on ABC’s <em>Q&amp;A</em><span> </span>last night.</p> <p>Wong was responding to a question from an audience member that asked whether the response to Folau’s comments would be different if he was a Muslim instead of a Christian.</p> <p>Wong took a moment to compose herself before answering the question.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">If Israel Folau were a Muslim would the Attorney-General be considering new laws to protect religious freedoms? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QandA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QandA</a> <a href="https://t.co/rMNFdTomkn">pic.twitter.com/rMNFdTomkn</a></p> — ABC Q&amp;A (@QandA) <a href="https://twitter.com/QandA/status/1148208502046724096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“OK, two points I want to address,” Wong began.</p> <p>“First, in relation to Mr Folau, can I say — first on an emotional level — I wish that we could have more expressions of love and forgiveness rather than condemnation when it came to belief.</p> <p>“I wish public figures, politicians, sporting stars, may consider … where their words land with vulnerable Australians.”</p> <p>Wong is a practicing Christian herself who attends Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide and made it clear that she sees the religion that herself and Folau share very differently.</p> <p>“He is entitled to his beliefs,” she said. “I disagree. I think we ought remember he doesn’t speak for all Christians.</p> <p>“In terms of the broader issue, we are an accepting, tolerant nation … Whatever happens in this current debate around religious freedom, I think we mustn’t lose sight of those key characteristics of Australian identity.</p> <p>Wong continued by explaining that the aim of religion isn’t to become less “tolerant”.</p> <p>“We don’t want to become less accepting, less tolerant. We don’t want to abrogate our agreed view that people are entitled to equality before the law, that we believe that people are equal, regardless of gender, race, faith, sexuality, disability, etc.</p> <p>“We should hold to those objectives, that we’re not seeking to diminish that. I’m open to a discussion about how we deal with religious protections.</p> <p>“But I would make this point: There is a distinction between a right to belief and the assertion that that belief should lead to you being treated differently before the law.”</p> <p>Human rights lawyer Diana Sayed, who was also on the panel, said that the Morrison Government must not “give people a licence to discriminate”. This is in reference to the religious discrimination bill that has been developed in response to the controversy around Folau.</p> <p>“It is really important that this bill strikes a balance that people who are free to practice their religion are not granted a licence to discriminate,” she said.</p>

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"You can't teach stupid": Folau receives more funds in two days than farmers' rural aid in one year

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>A Facebook post by <em>The NRL Roast </em>criticising those who donated to Israel Folau’s legal battle has gone viral in just 24 hours.</p> <p>The post highlighted donations given to the Rural Aid <em>Buy a Bale </em>campaign raised in one year matched the money raised for controversial Folau’s legal battle against the Rugby League Association.</p> <p>“In 2 days, Israel Folau has received more in donations than Rural Aid's "Buy a Bale" campaign did in the 2017/2018 financial year,” the post began.</p> <p>“Folau may or may not be in the right in regard to why he got sacked and has every right to launch legal action.</p> <p>“That’s not my gripe.</p> <p>“It's the fact that every day Aussies would rather donate their hard earned, already taxed money, to a multi-millionaire professional athlete who can use the funds however he wants...TAX FREE, while people who actually make a worthwhile contribution to society, and our communities, are left in the lurch.</p> <p>“But you can’t teach stupid… You are just born that way.”</p> <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheNRLRoast%2Fphotos%2Fa.248365635620899%2F729888714135253%2F%3Ftype%3D3&amp;width=500" width="500" height="435" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> <p>Folau has raised $2.2 million in just two days by 20,000 people.</p> <p>Since then, the fundraiser, which is located on the Australian Christian Lobby’s website, has been paused – a little less than $1 million short of the sacked rugby star’s $3 million goal.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzATb_Wn3I_/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzATb_Wn3I_/" target="_blank">A post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau)</a> on Jun 22, 2019 at 1:07am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The ACL said the donations, which opened on Tuesday, had been “overwhelming".</p> <p>“ACL, Izzy and everyone involved is humbled and grateful. We are hitting the pause button. But if the case drags on and Israel needs more support, we will re-open this campaign,” a statement on the website said.</p> <p>The original campaign on GoFundMe was shut down after it was determined they had violated the site’s terms of service.  </p> <p>“We are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity,” Nicola Britton, GoFundMe’s Australian regional director said.</p> <p>Managing director of the ACL, Martin Iles, confirmed any money raised in the $3 million campaign will exclusively be used to meet Folau’s legal costs.</p> <p>In a poll conducted by Over60 with over 5,200 votes, it was determined 60 per cent of Australians believe Folau deserved to be sacked from his contract with Rugby Australia.</p> <p>However, 40 per cent voted Folau's controversial social post that claimed “hell awaits” gay people, among others, was not breaching his contract.  </p> <p><em>NRL Roast’s </em>post, which now sits with over 3,000 comments, has continued to stir debate with some users claiming the page was only adding “fuel to the fire".</p> <p>“If he can say whatever he believes then he should have the guts to face the consequences of his actions and use his own funds to fight his own battles,” one user wrote.</p> <p>Another added: “I don't see why people find this surprising. There are A LOT of people in the world with the same views as Falou.”</p> <p>“So you're complaining about people who are donating their OWN already taxed hard working money to Folau because they choose not to donate it to where YOU think they should donate THEIR money to?” an additional comment read.</p> <p>However, other people said it was “sad” farmers did not have “priority<span>“.</span></p> <p><span>"If only those who so support a sportsperson's contract breach which has been turned into a fight for Christianity could support those who grow our food and keep food on our tables...” one comment said.</span></p> <p>Another stated: “An absolute disgrace that people give money so easily to someone who broke his contract, not once but twice, but can’t find the money for the farmers who help put food on our tables every day, nothing like getting your priorities right.”</p> <p>Folau’s $4 million contract was terminated by Rugby Australia last month after a post on his Instagram page claimed homosexuals, among others, would burn in hell.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Legal

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“It’s been hard for her”: Israel Folau breaks silence as he praises wife Maria

<p>Disgraced ex-rugby star Israel Folau has praised his wife Maria during his first television interview since his $4 million Rugby Australia contract was terminated.</p> <p>Folau also revealed that RA had offered a substantial amount of money for him to remove the post, but the athlete refused as sharing the bible was part of his duty as a Christian.</p> <p>Rugby Australia has denied the “completely untrue” claims.</p> <p>Folau sat with conservative commentators Alan Jones and Peta Credlin on Thursday evening to have a discussion about freedom of speech in Australia, and his sacking over his homophobic views.</p> <p>Despite standing by his original Instagram post which claimed, “homosexuals go to hell”, Folau said the entire incident has been tough on his family.</p> <p>“It’s been a very tough time for myself, Maria and our families … but we’re holding up really strong from the support,” he said on<span> </span><em>Sky News</em>.</p> <p>“It’s [faith] the most important thing to me. My identity is found in what’s written in that book.</p> <p>“The Bible and what I believe comes out of that is very important to me.”</p> <p>He also credited his wife Maria for staying “strong” throughout the entire ordeal.</p> <p>“Look it’s been extremely hard for her, she’s been dragged into this situation unexpectedly,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s been very frustrating for her but I’m very lucky she’s a strong woman, she’s [the] same as me, convicted by her faith.</p> <p>“She’s continued to march on and stay strong.”</p> <p>Mr Jones then asked Folau what his motivation is to keep fighting to which he responded saying his faith was his number one priority.</p> <p>“[I’m] driven by my faith – being number one – and my wife … my family and my friends,” he said.</p> <p>Discussing the specific verse that started the war in the first place, the 30-year-old said, “It’s nothing personal” – but a message he must convey due to his duty as a Christian.</p> <p>“I’m trying to share in love and that’s the way I look at it in terms of sharing the Bible,” he said.</p>

Money & Banking

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Magda Szubanski starts counter-campaign to rival Israel Folau: "He is wrong – don't listen to him"

<p>Comedian Magda Szubanski has started a campaign for terminally ill children in a bid to denounce causes that use faith to divide communities.</p> <p>Two high-profile Christian leaders say that Szubanski has their support. </p> <p>Father Bob Macguire and Father Rod Bower have pledged their support for the campaign, with Bower changing his parish’s community sign to read: </p> <p>“LGBT friends: Folau is wrong. Don’t listen to him”, according to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/06/26/magda-szubanski-israel-folau/" target="_blank">The New Daily</a>.</em></p> <p>Father Bower said he was supporting the comedian’s cause because Jesus’s practice was one of “radical inclusivity”.</p> <p>“He even ate with sinners. So, if I’m going to be a Jesus follower, this fundraiser is something I can support,” he said in a statement.</p> <p>Donors have pledged around $170,000 to the cause, but that’s paltry compared to the $2 million-plus raised so far for Israel Folau.</p> <p>Szubanski aims to raise $500,000 to help children who are “in the fight of their lives”, using the same phrase that Folau used when describing his fundraiser in his legal fight against Rugby Australia.</p> <p>Folau’s $4 million contract was terminated in May after he breached the terms and conditions by sharing a social media post warning that “sinners”, including drunks, liars and homosexuals, would go to hell if they didn’t repent.</p> <p>The Australian Christian Lobby, who has firmly stood by Folau, has started a new campaign on its site after GoFundMe took down the initial fundraiser.</p> <p>Szubanski’s rival fundraiser will give 90 per cent of donations to the Children’s Cancer Foundation and 10 per cent to Sydney-based LGBTQIA+ supper service Twenty10.</p> <p>“Our Australian community is diverse, accepting, powerful and generous,” the crowdfunding page reads.</p> <p>“It’s that spirit for which we should be known, and it’s with those values that we should be donating our time and money.”</p>

Money & Banking

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Israel Folau breaks his silence after raking in $2 million : "For those that have criticised me..."

<p>Israel Folau has broken his silence after his fundraising campaign was shut down this week, saying he has “no ill will” towards those who criticised the rugby player’s statement on homosexuality.</p> <p>Folau’s new crowdfunding page, hosted by the Australian Christian Lobby, has raised more than $1.7 million to support his legal defence against Rugby Australia’s decision to terminate his contract in May.</p> <p>And the rugby player has spoken out by sharing a message on his personal Instagram account on Wednesday morning. </p> <p><span>Folau wrote: “I am humbled by the support I have received from so many of you since Rugby Australia terminated my employment contract after I shared a religious message on social media. To those who have criticised me, I bear no ill will towards you. You have every right to express your own beliefs and opinions. </span></p> <p><span>“I am incredibly thankful for the Australian Christian Lobby, which has not only come to my defence in the media, but generously established a website to receive donations on my behalf.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJrqzInvNK/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJrqzInvNK/" target="_blank">I am humbled by the support I have received from so many of you since Rugby Australia terminated my employment contract after I shared a religious message on social media. To those who have criticised me, I bear no ill will towards you. You have every right to express your own beliefs and opinions. To the thousands of you who donated to my GoFundMe campaign, I am forever grateful. GoFundMe’s decision to shut down my campaign proves the importance of my case; whether you share my faith or believe in my right to express it, attempts to sanction what we believe is a threat to all Australians. I am incredibly thankful for the Australian Christian Lobby, which has not only come to my defence in the media, but generously established a website to receive donations on my behalf. For those not in a position to donate, your support and prayers will make more of a difference than anything else. God bless!</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/izzyfolau/" target="_blank"> Israel Folau</a> (@izzyfolau) on Jun 25, 2019 at 4:32pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 30-year-old’s first fundraiser on GoFundMe was shut down on Monday after it was flagged of being “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/magda-szubanski-opens-up-on-israel-folau-and-her-new-gofundme-campaign/news-story/47dd913891a8db584e446bbed4c2cffa" target="_blank">at risk</a>” of violating the company’s policies.</p> <p>The ACL’s managing director Martyn Iles said he could “not go into detail” about where the rest of the donations would go once the $3 million mark has been achieved.</p> <p>“It will go to different causes that are completely consistent with the intentions of the original donors,” Iles told Deborah Knight on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/what-will-the-acl-do-with-the-excess-money-raised-for-israel-folau/news-story/864d07f1417c5dd58e5ebed65e3c82ca" target="_blank"><em>Today</em></a><em> </em>show on Wednesday morning. </p> <p>“I am not able to go into the detail at this stage.”</p> <p>Iles denied that the money would be used for personal purposes. </p> <p>“Absolutely not personal use, absolutely not the ACL,” he said.</p> <p>“[The donors] bought into Israel because they see him as somebody they want to champion. They see him as somebody they identify with, and there is a great deal of trust built up there.</p> <p>“That is not misplaced at all. This money will be used well and will actually end up making a difference regardless of where it goes.”</p> <p>Earlier this month, Folau announced that he had launched legal proceedings with the Fair Work Commissions against Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby for breach of contract.</p> <p>His lawyers said in a statement that Folau is seeking “substantial remedies from his former employers should they be found to have breached the Fair Work Act in terminating his employment”.</p> <p>In May, Folau’s contract was ripped up after a Rugby Australia panel found him guilty of a “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-17/israel-folau-sacked-over-social-media-posts/11090938" target="_blank">high-level breach</a>” of the players’ code of conduct over his controversial Instagram posts, including one claiming “hell awaits” gay people.</p> <p>“Rugby Australia did not choose to be in this situation, but Rugby Australia’s position remains that Israel, through his actions, left us with no choice but to pursue the course of action resulting in [this] outcome,” said Rugby Australia’s chief executive Raelene Castle at the time.</p> <p>“People need to feel safe and welcomed in the game, regardless of their race, background or sexuality.”</p>

Technology

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Heartbreaking decision – is Israel Folau’s wife risking it all?

<p>It has been almost two years since Maria Tutaia married her rugby star husband, Israel Folau, in November 2017.</p> <p>The journey has proven not to be easy; Maria has stood by her embattled husband even if it means risking her own career as well.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpqkIaggDFk/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpqkIaggDFk/" target="_blank">A post shared by MARIA FOLAU (@mariatutaia)</a> on Nov 1, 2018 at 9:47pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>As Folau prepares for a major legal fight to save his own career, after he was sacked from Rugby Australia last month for publicly voicing his anti-gay beliefs, his 32-year-old wife has used her own social media platforms to back him.</p> <p>But there are concerns the professional New Zealander netballer could be at risk of jeopardising her own career by showing her public support.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828053/maria-folau.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/231c40aa0cc74824b5dc05a249816232" /></p> <p>Last week, she publicly donated her own money to his legal battle, Folau telling his own donors when setting up his GoFundMe page that he and Maria had “already spent over $100,000".</p> <p>However, the Adelaide Thunderbirds – the team Maria plays for – has released their own statement on her public endorsement of her husband.</p> <p>“While Netball SA in no way endorses the reposting, we do not believe Maria has contravened our social media policy,” the organisation said.</p> <p>The club also went on to say Maria was a good ambassador for the sport, by taking part in youth and community projects to inspire other young players to pursue a career professionally.</p> <p>However, other professional players do not see eye to eye with the Adelaide Netball Club.</p> <p>Aussie Netball legend Liz Ellis took to Twitter calling for Maria to be sacked.</p> <p>“Anyone who is seen to support or endorse homophobia is not welcome,” she wrote.</p> <p>“As much as I love watching @MariaFolau play netball I do not want my sport endorsing the views of her husband.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjJqpBwgWI-/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjJqpBwgWI-/" target="_blank">A post shared by MARIA FOLAU (@mariatutaia)</a> on May 24, 2018 at 12:00am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Maria is currently training for next month’s World Cup in Auckland where she will play for the national New Zealand team in the UK. </p> <p>She will be sure to face a number of uncomfortable questions regarding her personal beliefs.</p> <p>Netball New Zealand said in a statement the professional sportswoman had not broken any social media policy.</p>

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Deborah Knight's tense clash over Israel Folau controversy: “I'm not able to go into detail"

<p>The Australian Christian Lobby has not been able to confirm where the excess money raised for Israel Folau’s legal funds will be diverted to.</p> <p>Speaking on the <em>T</em><em>oday </em>show this morning, Martyn Iles said he could “not go into detail” about where any money above the $3 million mark would go.</p> <p>The Christian group’s fundraiser is growing rapidly, after their original crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe was taken down by the organisation. As of this morning, supporters have helped raise $1.5 million in less than 24 hours.</p> <p>After Deborah Knight asked the question about excess donations, Mr Iles said: “It will be distributed in a way that is consistent with …”</p> <p>Knight then interjected, asking: “Distributed where, though?”</p> <p>“It will go to different causes that completely consisted with the intentions of the original donors,” he responded.</p> <p>When asked for further information, Mr Iles said: “I am not able to go into the detail at this stage.”</p> <p>Which is when Knight prodded further, as she asked if the money raised will be used for personal reasons.</p> <p>“Absolutely not personal use, absolutely not the ACL,” he said. “They bought into Israel because they see him as somebody they want to champion. They see him as somebody they identify with, and there is a great deal of trust built up there.</p> <p>“That is not misplaced at all. This money will be used well and will actually end up making a difference regardless of where it goes.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">“It’s all under this language of inclusion, but not so inclusive that they can include someone with beliefs they disagree with.” <a href="https://twitter.com/MartynLloydIles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MartynLloydIles</a> from the <a href="https://twitter.com/ACLobby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACLobby</a> on the Israel Folau saga and promises the $1.5 million will “absolutely not” be used for personal use. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/coUD95G0oF">pic.twitter.com/coUD95G0oF</a></p> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1143618094033600512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 June 2019</a></blockquote> <p>She later questioned Folau’s need for money, as he was previously on a multi-million dollar contract and is the owner of a number of properties.</p> <p>To that, Mr Iles said there were “two angles to that question".</p> <p>“One is that it is a very Australian thing to say that someone has been on a good wicket, therefore we just leave them alone. I think that the cost to Israel Folau has been serious in the sense that he lost his career, he has been banned for life from the two sporting codes he can play,” he said.</p> <p>“He has the funds to live on for a very long time. He is a human. This has taken its toll on him. He found it is a great challenge. People want to say there is more with you than against you, but there is the other side. Look what he has been able to achieve.</p> <p>“We can talk about this for days in the media. They have been able to achieve giving a voice to so many people who want to buy into this campaign, and these people feel like they are part of a movement. They are being heard and are actually making a difference.”</p> <p>According to the leader, the campaign is being championed by “people feeling stifled”, a “pinch of political correctness” and the “language used against Israel".</p> <p>“When GoFundMe shut it down, it only confirmed their concerns. They said, ‘Here you go, here it is again’,” he said.</p> <p>“As a result, they gave a whole lot more. They feel like they are having their voice heard, so that is having an impact.</p> <p>“They want to be able to put more money in, raise their voice for their freedom and make a difference. These are what we call the quiet Australians.”</p>

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