Backlash as rugby star Izzy Folau warns that 'hell awaits' homosexuals
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Aussie rugby player Israel "Izzy" Folau is in hot water after posting a message on Instagram calling for homosexuals - and many others - to repent for their "sins", warning them that "hell awaits".
On his official account Folau wrote: "Those that are living in sin will end up in hell unless you repent." Accompanying the post were several scriptures from the Bible.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau) on
Folau identified adultery, alcoholism, homosexuality and fornication as "works of the flesh" and called for people to "turn away" from their sins.
The Wallabies player's post was condemned by Rugby Australia, who called his comments "unacceptable" and "disrespectful" to members of the rugby community, reported The Sydney Morning Herald.
Folau has often used his Instagram page to voice his thoughts on Christianity. He is also known for using his social media platforms to condemn Christians who he considers "lukewarm and not saved at all".
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau) on
On Wednesday, Folau criticised the Australian state of Tasmania's new legislation to make gender optional on birth certificates.
"The devil has blinded so many people in this world. REPENT and turn away from your evil ways," he tweeted.
Falou received backlash on social media, with many calling for him to be axed from the Wallabies team.
A reminder that Izzy Folau is the worst human being in rugby union in a world that contains Steve Diamond, your mates that live in Clapham, and the rest of the Australian national team. pic.twitter.com/cQSYtcEaCE
— Michael Joseph Sheen (@michaeljsheen) April 10, 2019
As depressing as the latest homophobic Instagram post by @IzzyFolau (who should be sacked from the Wallabies), I’m taking positivity that the majority of commenters ridicule his bigoted views. I’ve attached a couple of my favourites #israelfolau pic.twitter.com/6x7TKnUlwJ
— Calum Trenaman (@CalTrenaman) April 10, 2019
I reckon everyone including yourself @IzzyFolau is going to hell then!! pic.twitter.com/du4kfRqexW
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) April 10, 2019
So, Izzy Folau has been at it again. Given I can tick off 6 of these I’m proper buggered by the looks of it. This is the one thing I don’t get about religion, they say it’s based on peace and love for your fellow man yet they viscerally hate so much. #liveandletlive #lovenothate pic.twitter.com/dJP1A6s2sX
— Qualat (@QualatOnTwitch) April 10, 2019
Israel Folau should stop cherry-picking Bible verses that support his homophobic comments on social media, while ignoring Bible verses that condemn his own behaviour. Is it ignorance or hypocrisy? Please, stop posting hate, @IzzyFolau. #NoH8 #NoHomophobia pic.twitter.com/wned37P1mP
— Peter Murphy (@PeterWMurphy1) April 10, 2019
You know what I reckon awaits you, @IzzyFolau? Unemployment. To any young LGBTQ+ people out there reading Folau's horrible comments, I'm sending so much love to you. You are wonderful just as you are. And if hell is awaiting us, I'll get there first and get the party started 🥳🏳️🌈
— Lizzie Marvelly (@LizzieMarvelly) April 10, 2019
So I guess anyone who idolises you @IzzyFolau is going to hell.
— Mr Threlly (@mrthrelly) April 10, 2019
Granted with comments like this that number will go down but still.
Oh and as an atheist, I don’t believe it exists but if it did & you are the advert for heaven, I’m cool with that. pic.twitter.com/pM5VpnfC8L
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