The Chiefs halfback Brad Weber has hit back at Israel Folau's comments on homosexuality.
Photo: Bruce Lim / Photosport
The Wallabies' fullback posted to social media that gays are headed for hell unless they repent of their sins and turn to God.
He has since deleted the post but a screen shot was shared by other social media users.
Folau, who is a devout Christian and who was raised as a Mormon, has since released an article articulating his religious beliefs and the reason he posted his initial comment.
Kinda sick of us players staying quiet on some of this stuff. I can't stand that I have to play this game that I love with people, like Folau, who say what he's saying
— Brad Weber (@brad_weber9) April 17, 2018
My cousin and her partner, and my Aunty and her partner are some of the most kind, caring & loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. To think that I play against someone that says they'll go to Hell for being gay disgusts me. ️️️
— Brad Weber (@brad_weber9) April 17, 2018
Weber has now tweeted saying he's sick of players staying quiet on the issue, and can't stand playing the game he loves with people like Folau.
He says his cousin and aunt, who are gay, are some of the kindest people he knows, and it disgusts him to play against someone who says they will go to hell for their beliefs.
In September, Folau sparked a Twitter backlash by revealing he did not support marriage equality.
His latest comments on social media have once again sparked outrage.
Rugby Australia have said the high-profile player's comments do not reflect the views of the organisation or NSW Rugby but have declined to sanction Folau.
Folau revealed this week he offered to walk away from his Rugby Australia contract in wake of the controversy.
He is off contract at the end of this season but Rugby Australia are keen to extend this beyond next year's World Cup in Japan.
