Qantas condemns Folau's controversial comments amid Rugby Australia review

Sacha Pisani
April 11, 2019 05:27 MYT
The Wallabies' major sponsor Qantas said it is awaiting the outcome of Rugby Australia's review after condemning Israel Folau's controversial comments.

Wallabies and Waratahs star Folau – a devout Christian – sparked outrage following a series of social media posts on Wednesday, delivering another anti-homosexual post.

Folau – who avoided punishment last year after stating homosexuals should go to "hell" unless they "repent their sins and turn to God" – caused a stir with his stance on the Tasmanian Parliament passing a legislation to make gender optional on birth certificates and allow people 16 years and older to legally change gender without parental contest.

Rugby Australia released a statement late on Wednesday, which read: "Rugby Australia is aware of a post made by Israel Folau on his Instagram account this afternoon.

"The content within the post is unacceptable. It does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the Rugby community.

"The Rugby Australia Integrity Unit has been engaged on the matter tonight."

And on Thursday, Australian airline Qantas – who threatened to withdraw its sponsorship last year following similar posts made by Folau – weighed in on the controversy.

"These comments are really disappointing and clearly don't reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support," the statement read.

"We are pleased to see Rugby Australia's condemnation of the comments and will await the outcome of their review."

The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free. pic.twitter.com/BWSWTMye98

— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) April 10, 2019
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#Australia #Test #Rugby Union #Super Rugby #Waratahs #Internationals