James Haskell on Israel Folau, Billy Vunipola and homophobia in sport | House of Rugby #27

James Haskell and Alex Payne are joined by rugby commentator and journalist Nick Heath to talk about Israel Folau's homophobic comments on homosexuality, Billy Vunipola's response and tolerance in rugby.
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[@JOE_co_uk]

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[@jdart1975]

All that hate but hes still going to heaven 🤔🤔🤔

[@dulls8475]

@Orsen Carte Don't be so logical. The above panel is all about making the right noises so they will get more support from Guiness i suspect. i believe the law at so many levels will support Folau.

[@studmalexy]

why are so many people being Christphobic and Anti-Christ? why are they HATEFUL towards the Christians, Christianity and Christian worldview?

[@dulls8475]

@@studmalexy its the most persecuted religion on the planet according to the latest UN figures. So the western virtue signalers are only happy to join in.

[@dyfnwalmoelmud8362]

So you media whores are anti Christian , Folau was quoting the Bible .

[@outbackspaceradio8416]

Is that a pic of Nigel Owens giving Folau a yellow card in the background?? 😂😂😂

[@darthmong7196]

Just had to check. Thought for a moment that was a euphemism.

[@mac6899]

No doubt after that gay rugby match he recently refereed he gave some kid something in the background after the game🥒💩

[@JOE_co_uk]

@@petermethven Thanks!

[@JOE_co_uk]

Yes it is! Pleased someone spotted it

[@oliverhlc6958]

@@JOE_co_uk Why are you censoring honest peoples comments ?. Are you anti christian because you are attacking the scriptures of the Bible and a mans freedom to express his faith .You only gave part of what Folau said which is extremely suspicious . You are behaving like subversive change agents . I hope Folau sues the Australian union because his contract is obviously unconscionable .

[@thegreatbriton1203]

James is very articulate and the way he doesn't pause to think about what he is saying makes me believe he's a genuine bloke.

[@JohnSmith-vy4lh]

No , he pauses because he has put his footinit to many times before lol .

[@MKRM27]

John Smith You missed the point... he DOESN’T pause

[@tonyoliver2750]

@@Makethemostofit1 30-40K? His parents should ask for a refund.

[@april-tui3524]

Articulate 😂 why, because he has a posh accent? Please.

[@thegreatbriton1203]

@@april-tui3524 Are you jealous? Lol

[@RugbyMedia]

Thanks for having me on folks. Pleased to see the positive comments and that many people share our views. Nice. NH

[@april-tui3524]

Rugby Media I don’t share your views, although I did stop watching after Haskell said he speaks out when something happens in ‘his area’, because I know that to be untrue. Why are no men in rugby speaking out about violent players who continue to play soon after incidents of domestic violence? I think that’s far more damaging to society, particularly women, than words about imaginary places. It’s also damaging to hear the excuses coaches and others give, such as Razor Robertson saying Sevu Reece was a ‘great human’ who had behavioural not character issues. That’s the standard response to violence or rape, he’s a good guy who ‘made a mistake’. I heard that all my life and as a consequence legitimised a dangerous father with a violent past, as a result my stepmother is dead. Why do I never hear men like you lot talking about stuff like that? Because 15 women died of DV in NZ last year and every week in the UK 2 women are murdered by their partners. I find it troubling a group of men will sit down and easily talk about issues affecting certain groups, but never do I see a decent honest conversation about rugby players who abuse or beat women. It feels disingenuous to paint yourselves as men who care when things of importance happen, yet only when it affects certain groups and never, ever, when it affects women. Rugby has impacted women very badly. You are hypocrites who are reacting only when you know mainstream views align with yours.

[@somanytakennames]

@@april-tui3524 I'm not saying what you're bring up isn't important, but I imagine they didn't talk about it because it wasn't the topic of the conversation. The Folau incident was.

[@april-tui3524]

somanytakennames but they never have talked about it. That’s what my actual point is. Why talk about Israel Folau but not Sevu Reece? Who is playing his first super rugby months after getting away with beating a woman on the street! Some words that are meaningless are more important than actual physical violence. It is hypocritical BS.

[@somanytakennames]

@@april-tui3524 Why is it hypocritical BS? Why would these UK based guys know about Sevu Reece? He's in his first year of Super Rugby and until this point has only played in the Mitre 10. Israel Folau is an established, widely recognised international player who until now, was held in high regard. Of course news stories about him are going to reach people in the UK before stories about player who's only known in NZ. Just because they haven't talked about it doesn't mean they won't talk ever talk about it either. I'm sorry to say this because I think it is an important subject but I think you're just shifting the goal posts and trying to paint these guys in a bad light simply because you disagree with them. I don't see why these guys are getting a hard time for it when it's the Crusaders who have ignored his crimes.

[@april-tui3524]

somanytakennames Reece was signed for Connacht! Then dropped because of the case. Of course they heard about it. Besides, he isn’t the only one and NZ isn’t the only country with a problem of violent players, right? It’s a big issue, it’s just even bigger in NZ because of the level of tolerance. I’ve literally never heard or seen a rugby show like this *ever* talk about it.

[@BabyGonzo5]

Alex, James thankyou for this. This is what rugby is about it's a sport for everyone.

[@tollyt7465]

Was the journo Ian Hislops love child? And Hask will be in the doghouse for stretching Chloe's posing vest.. Huge respect to Hask though, as he totally nailed it..

[@RugbyMedia]

Joke first made about me in roughly 1995! :)

[@tollyt7465]

@@RugbyMedia were you a 10 year old Communards fan, with receding hairline, a butler, and a propensity for saying "allegedly" to avoid being sued?

[@rohancook8588]

James sometimes says silly stuff but I stand by every word he said. True ambassador for Rugby.

[@jaypw321]

Rohan Cook presumably you stand by his other video where he admitted to using homophobic language himself? Makes him a hypocrite in my book and an even bigger idiot to admit it on his youtube channel

[@owyn4799]

Do you think Folau is a hypocrite too?

[@jaypw321]

MagicSince 98 yes but i think he has been treated unfairly

[@JasonConlan75]

@@jaypw321 If it was a one off I'd agree but he has previous and James got it right Folau is nothing but a bigot....

[@JasonConlan75]

@@jaypw321 Your book needs rewriting then because you are coming across as a bigot aswell because i you can't condemn Isreal for what he did TWICE it says a lot about you there is also a difference between admitting to using homophobic language as derogatory banter (Still not ok) and telling people they are going to hell because of the way they were born.....

[@Compassiron1]

Hearing Alex Payne say ‘fucking’ really shocked me 😄 tripped me up mentally for about 3 minutes 00:45

[@paulprior9875]

Quality cast. Glad you guys are so sensible on the matter.

[@daverichardson7398]

The Hask is awesome, even when the topic matter becomes tricky. Well said!

[@Fredders88]

It's not like he's taking any risks in what he's saying - he's giving the position where British society is. I don't think there's anything particularly brave in this - he's not going to suffer for his views. If anything, it will make media orgs more interested in hiring him.

[@bigbobbyjohnson1]

The Hask is a dick

[@dulls8475]

@@Fredders88 I suspect it is not where we are but it is certainly the view of the media of which Hask is a part.

[@Fredders88]

Agreed.

[@TheTurquoiseAlien]

Haskell is genuinely a great guy. It's rare for a straight man to be so passionate about the lives of gay people. Gained a lot of respect for him.

[@danielweaver8297]

hask ive had a pop at you sometimes .... but you made me proud mate ...thanks

[@amelierose1243]

This may be the most articulate, sophisticated and CORRECT I've ever seen Mr James Haskell.

[@dulls8475]

Yes apart from the law maybe on I Folau side but that won't matter much.

[@danielweaver8297]

if god saw millions trying to kill each other ... im shore god we still be happy with 2 men people trying to love each other

[@jayk.g8741]

James Haskell said what we all think. I respect him so much for that. More people should take a page out of his book.

[@podjun80]

No he didnt.

[@danielorourke2677]

Didn't say what I think actually

[@jayk.g8741]

I apologise, I cant speak for others i guess he articulated what I thought at least and a few others.

[@owyn4799]

Nah the majority really just a few upset Christians who are throwing toys outta the pram

[@jayk.g8741]

Jim I highly doubt it he seems like a genuine guy

[@andrewdiamond120]

Fuckin great one of the first full podcasts ive watched

[@draiguk]

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ― Edmund Burke.

[@april-tui3524]

DraigUK yes true. So why do you think men like Haskell say nothing when rugby men abuse or beat women? Like, where is the video on Sevu Reece, or Paddy Jackson? Or Rory Best defending Paddy Jackson? Or do you think they believe words about imaginary places are more damaging than actual violence against women?

[@simonasartre1987]

@@april-tui3524 Feminazi.

[@dulls8475]

@@april-tui3524 April I agree with you but we are in an anti Christian society now and any chance to attack it is always taken. The main issue is that a Christian said something and it must be attacked.

[@calvinkiwa5666]

Interesting strategy, quoting the father of conservatism who would most likely side with religious folks.

[@BenCreaven]

@@april-tui3524 Paddy Jackson had a court case and was found not guilty and still was fired from his employment so not quite sure what he's supposed to call out there? No one says that domestic violence is right so there's no need to call out anything there. However a lot of people seem to think homophobia is right so there is stuff to call out there

[@davidroseitg]

Exactly how I feel James, we just need empathy!

[@Otisdonnelly]

33:16 buffalo on Haskell

[@excellentpepper5872]

Interesting

[@niallhcd1]

Another brilliant show lads, James really spoke a lot of sense this week!

[@brandoneadie3122]

47:07 You'll get the perfect sip next time James

[@Compassiron1]

Hearing Alex Payne say ‘fucking’ really shocked me 😄 tripped me up mentally for about 3 minutes

[@Frazer777]

Everyone is entitled to voice their opinion - just so long as it's acceptable to the masses.

[@lekntakfs1071]

I'm glad then that homophobia is less and less aceptable.

[@simongilliat2205]

Good lad, Hasque

[@MKRM27]

Simon Gilliat Is that his Arabic brother?

[@MichaeldeSousaCruz]

Honestly the best rugby show out there!!! Hask, well said about Folau, keep speaking truth to power! If it’s that important to you, Folau, keep it to yourself, once you’ve freed the speech you’re not free from the consequences. Tell us about your childhood trauma, Folau, that would be more honest and interesting, because you’re current beliefs come directly from some trauma you’ve experienced as a child.

[@joblot8463]

another dope with a keyboard, he is absolutely entitled to free speech and he is also entitled to expect people to respect his rights, and you are entitled to babble like an idiot and i'm entitled to express my opinion about your babbling, in my opinion morons should sit in the corner and say nothing but to my dismay you keep talking,but that is your right, so i respect it, but apparently being a hypocrite goes with the territory in your pathetic little world

[@MichaeldeSousaCruz]

job lot always available to engage in honest dialogue. Where’s the hypocrisy?

[@joblot8463]

@@MichaeldeSousaCruz freedom is not gauged by your pathetic little feelings, it has a grand stage that is not up for debate,men fight and die for it, in my world you either give it to me or i will take it from you, folau has the right and i will die to keep it for him, as my fore fathers did, feelings are not law they are not the gauge, the measurement of your freedom is yourright to speak openly and freely, and these hypocrites like castle and cheika and genia should be denounced, so start denouncing those that seek to silence or be my enemy

[@mick6370]

Happy Easter to all good Christians keep the faith MOT.

[@MrHouslin]

Interesting how JH explains his qualification to comments on Christian belief was based on studying RS from the age of 11 to 15 (and some study)...!!??

[@AndySeymour1]

Would’ve been interesting to hear maybe a Christian in rugby and their view point. Was this quite one sided?

[@joshgoodman6534]

As a christian I believe we are called to Love one another above anything else. There is an argument where warning non believers they are going to go to hell is loving but in my personal opinion doing it like Israel did is far too harsh and doesn't help anyone. Having said this I can't argue with what he is saying, in my opinion it is fact. But the public don't understand the full story. That everyone falls short of the glory of God, we are all sinners, and every sin is equal so in Gods eyes someone who has murdered 100 people is the same as the dude who lied to his mum about eating the last cookie. But that is where Jesus comes in, Jesus died for us and was resurrected after 3 days ( Easter is nice and timely) so that 'whoever believes in him shall have eternal life with God' John 3:16. This inadvertently means that if you don't believe in Jesus then you won't have eternal life with God. You will go to "hell" which is described in different parts of the bible. The fact the public enjoy focusing on Israel hates gays is interesting as he has stated he hates no one is an interesting one. But as a christian I hate sin. Jesus calls us to live like him (sinless) and so that means hating sin. Obviously i fail every day but God forgives me every day as i repent of those sins. So I think that sex is for a man and a woman, i don't hate gay people i hate what they are doing as God says it is a sin. At the end of the day humans have been given free will by God and so can do as they please. I am not going to stop you but i am not going to say its right. I think people need to understand that it is healthy to face opposition because it makes you question whether what you are doing is actually the right thing. I have faced much opposition to my faith and some of my friends have left it behind but for me it grew me closer to God. Sorry for the essay. Hope it helps, God bless you all. I am happy to answer any questions.

[@davidjones272]

@@joshgoodman6534 what is a sin though? Who gets to decide? If you believe that homosexuality is a sin because it says so in biblical texts, then you also have to believe that eating shell fish, or pork are sinful, that working on a Sunday is sinful, and God only knows how many other things. The bottom line is that the Bible is a terrible source of moral guidance. Any text that advocates death and eternal damnation for gay people, but has no problem with slavery is suspect.

[@tollyt7465]

Christian is playing American football now, but I agree it would be nice to have his views..

[@joshgoodman6534]

@@davidjones272 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. Romans 5:12. Living is a sin, it is impossible not to sin. The fact that Adam first sinned mean't that sin is in the world and you can't escape it. you focus on homosexuality, maybe because you want to find a flaw or maybe a reason to not believe. But does it not make sense that everyone sins no matter what. FYI i know you guys love your leviticus quotes. Jesus came and died for all and rose again to abolish the law set in the old testament. So that whoever believes in him will have eternal life not because of their acts but because of Jesus's. It is hard to explain over text. But there is nothing that you do on this earth good or bad that gets you any closer or further from God. The 1 thing is believing in Jesus. You could have killed 400 innocent children and then on your death bed in the prison you give your life to Christ and you are saved. Does that make sense?

[@chrispalmann6727]

As a non believer. You should let God decide who burns in hell and keep your opinions about who goes to hell to yourself. To do anything else is a staggering presumption about the rightness of your own belief.

[@jackoflanagan]

I've got a lot more respect for Hask after all this

[@JasonConlan75]

And me who thought he'd be the voice of reason?

[@zztop6460]

Like the fornication bit. Adam Ashley Cooper and a few others got dropped on the last autumn tour for indiscretion with women. And I've never met a rugby player who didn't like a drink or 10. His team mates especially David Pocock can't be happy

[@cbarclay99]

Two points about Tiger Woods. After golf tournaments he would immediately jet off presumably to hide his activities from other golf players. Secondly, he and his entourage intimidated the media into keeping quiet about what they knew.

[@samwilliams955]

Good work James

[@branmaher6684]

Absolutely spot on @jamesHaskell

[@Tronickification]

James has really shown himself in a good light through this whole thing 👍🏼

[@april-tui3524]

will smithola while saying nothing about players like Sevu Reece.

[@Jonbombs]

Imagine thinking you can't get fired in the modern age because you're a fan of a book from a past age

[@moonface55555]

James on best behaviour because his misses in present, very good James

[@mick6370]

Don't recall using foul and abusive language as good behaviour the man is a smug arrogant hypocrite.

[@owyn4799]

@@mick6370 Cause he doesn't agree with you yeah?

[@simoncooper913]

James! Wow. I hope the right people watch this show. An amazing episode. Such a powerful message. Positive. Positive!

[@jwaller2557]

Nice one Hasks!!!

[@happydudeyoga7652]

Well done. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@mattbowers8734]

One argument against what they’re saying is that the bible doesn’t say it’s a sin to be homosexual but rather it says you can’t lay with another man. So essentially it’s saying although you have these urges they’re sinful and you have to resist. Not what I believe but an interesting argument.

[@chrismayor5147]

The Hask, awesome. Honest, it is his view/ interpretation. However, to me, a common sense reasoned argument.

[@danielcarter7325]

Why does the camera have to pan back and forward all the time?

[@ShaunRL]

P R O D U C T I O N Q U A L I T Y

[@MKRM27]

Because... the director wants it to. Simple

[@davidbrent110]

Haskell, " GBH of the ears"

[@laurameakin8725]

There is a lack of understanding of the evangelising aspect of some branches of Christianity. They are supposed to go out and warn perceived sinners and try to save them. Hence all the talk of repenting. As an Atheist, I have been on the receiving end of face to face efforts to save my soul from religious family and friends. Given I fall foul of at least three of Folau's doomed categories, I am just glad hell doesn't exist, but also think this could all be handled with much less hysteria.

[@user-tl2cs6wv8b]

"Hell doesn't"??? Just wait until you're gone from this earth and then you'll see if it exists or not😃😉

[@montsouthern]

@@user-tl2cs6wv8b of course it doesn't exist. The bible is just a group of fictitious stories created to support an archaic ideology, it is not a factual book on history.

[@susanmerriman4520]

Go James 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MoseseYT]

Australia have no chance in the RWC2019 because they don't have Folau.

[@mitcholeary1526]

The wouldn't have had a chance with him......did nothing in the previous World Cup.

[@Mersty.]

I should hate James, I really should, but I can't. Top man.

[@MiniMatthew]

why?

[@Mersty.]

@@MiniMatthew Because he is a bit of a bellend but a thoroughly decent human being.

[@welshman07]

Hats off to Mr Haskell...

[@mainweezy]

I don't agree with billy or folau however I'm completely against attacking their religious beliefs as the bottomline of all this is its their religion. People have their own religious beliefs and you have to accept that, if you don't understand people's religious beliefs don't speak on them. Big difference between saying don't commit these list of sins if not you'll go to hell without repenting and just being a nasty piece of work and aiming to harm certain people. why post on social media you ask? big part of christianity is evangelism and you can see on folau's insta he's posted more about christianity than even his rugby. there are a lot of things people of other religions deem unacceptable that i don't agree with and I just have to accept thats their belief. i won't speak ill of muslims or buddhists for certain beliefs they have (which includes not supporting homosexuality in most cases) i just accept thats them. if you knew christianity you'd know all this is part of them evangelising and their way of showing that God loves you and you can repent if you engage in any of those things specified by their God or the bible.

[@steviegoddard2656]

Way too much common sense for our current world. Agree 100%

[@gerhardvtonder]

Respect guys. Thx.

[@caiotefu9856]

Thankyou =) .

[@Hitchisnotgreat]

So, we're not going to discuss this or try and move people's ideas forward here, we're just going to agree with each other and take turns in condemning and vilifying people we don't agree with.

[@dulls8475]

Its called inclusion....ha

[@Sprunkle2]

This is like the rugby version of True Geordie

[@ac2244]

Well said Archbishop Hask. Nice to have bad boy Payne back too!

[@shamr0ck]

Irish man Edmund Burke said the good men do nothing evil prevails thing. Not the pillock Churchill.

[@DAGATHire]

that's interesting, didn't know that... popularized by Churchill i guess, so when did burke say it?

[@shamr0ck]

@@DAGATHire sometime in the 1700's. Google it for exact date.

[@DAGATHire]

@@shamr0ck Fair enough, do you know what he was referring to? English rule i presume? but i find it interesting, so any extra info is appreciated.

[@alexsisley9734]

This seems to be a very one sided discussion. It would have been good if Folau, or someone who shares his views, had joined the discussion so that both sides were fairly represented.

[@oc911]

You want a Homophobic person on the show. Do one kid

[@mitcholeary1526]

@@oc911 Haskell is a great human too helping his mate film a girl having sex without consent......I mean keep the same energy...

[@fatuatamailatu5715]

Billy and folau 😍😍😍😍

[@georgesketcher231]

haskell, what a man

[@ricpeta8476]

James said: "I neva come out straight." He then said, contrarily, "people don't wake up gay. . .people don't choose to be gay. . . they are born.. . " If he did not, or he believes that he did not "come out straight," could it be that he believes that gay people "neva come out (gay)?" With that said is it nature or nurture that creates our religion? And by extension is it nature or nurture that influences our sexuality seeing we "neva come out" one way or another?

[@timrogers2045]

James Haskell: Top Man, I reckon.

[@JOE_co_uk]

Correct

[@mick6370]

@@JOE_co_uk INCORRECT get your facts right

[@RationalThinker1859]

A person's sexuality. What is wrong with loving another person?

[@MrMarkocinneide]

Leinster’s home stadium is RDS, not the Aviva

[@eugeneeastman2740]

If a Muslim would of said that they would say it’s just his religious beliefs not homophobic

[@gollum0472]

But it is his religious beliefs and it is still homophobic.

[@ed1726]

Saying you are religious doesn't give you carte blanche to do or say whatever you want. I'm sure we can all trivially think of examples of people doing things in the name of their religion which we all disagree with. If we can agree on that then we must instead judge case by case on merit and in this instance Folau's comments are bigoted, divisive and harmful.

[@joblot8463]

in your not valid opinion,free speech is a right,and feelings are a choice, you say bigoted,was jesus christ a bigot, was he harmful, for your not so enriched mind i'm sure he was, but to 2 billion people he was the word of god, and his word was the truth,however i guess in your little space you know more then jesus, you know more then god, or maybe you are an atheist whom has no moral fortitude, who thinks he has the right to curtail free speech, in that case i say suck it up rainbow boy

[@owyn4799]

@@joblot8463 Enriched mind??? God you're so educated in fake stories are ya?

[@joblot8463]

your just a little sensitive, toughen up cupcake,

[@joblot8463]

@@owyn4799 freedom to speak is your right my right and everybody else's too, just because you don't like it, does not mean you get to censor them, you can choose to ignore, but you do not get to punish them, my fore fathers fought bloody wars for this countries people to have the right of freedom of speech

[@ed1726]

@@joblot8463 Just to be clear the church has rightly been separated from state because the church is full of made up fairy stories which causes quite a bit of damage. So as regards who has to suck it up, I think that will be you cupcake. Also it's not your it's you're and sentences end with full stops not commas and sentences begin with capital letters. You poor sweet fellow.

[@realtalk682]

# I support Israel Folau Please pass it on

[@f1j11slander4]

Hasks getting a bit cold 😂😂😂

[@matthias2756]

“You’re not an athesit” wow the venom in that

[@chrismccann9]

Simpsons 15 please!

[@timbo7762]

Vernon was great last week maybe you should do one on one off

[@taylorwilson6655]

nah we need payne to try keep the ship steady, he also (maybe somewhat ironically) knows more about rugby then hask or tins xD

[@MrDumile]

I think the elephant in the room is that Religions will tend to be conservative about some of these topics especially sexuality. Religion is HUGE on this planet. Countries are run through them, wars are fought over them and its impossible to simply expect people to leave their core values just because one side is shouting very loud about something at loggerheads with doctrine. Only dialogue will get us to a true unified way. At this point everyone is a loser

[@podjun80]

Christianity no longer rules countries. It's power is on the wane. There is another religion however that puts gays to death. It's the elephant in the room in the west. Call it out and you're the bigot...

[@simonlarragy9376]

I think that show did a world of good. Thanks lads

[@MrWinstonSmith]

15:42 Recovering alcoholics know the pain.

[@taylorwilson6655]

"freedom of speech does not equal freedom from consequence" and even besides the religious debate, it's as simple as this; he broke his contract to his employer, he was fired, end of. great podcast as always!

[@Fredders88]

Players sign their contract and agree to be effectively mute for two or three years or whatever it is, but presumably they have to be tailors' dummies for any message their employer wants to promote - e.g. Poppy Appeal or the LQBT rainbow flag that the Irish footballers had on their backs - a very one-sided relationship. The sporting bodies need to stop foisting these messages on the players' shirts.

[@jordy46682]

@@Fredders88 "Message to promote"... Being against racism, bigotry, homophobia, hate speech etc... is not pushing a message in a one sided relationship, but just making sure that things are the way they should be.

[@april-tui3524]

It’s not freedom if the consequence is losing your job. It is restricted speech.

[@jordy46682]

@@april-tui3524 He lost his job because he broke his contract. He was free to say whatever he want, but then there are consequences. Can you just say what you want to your boss, or about the company you work for or shout hate speech in the work place and not get fired? Think before you post...

[@april-tui3524]

Jordan Cox my point remains. If a person has their speech restricted by an employment contract, they do not actually have ‘free’ speech. If the consequence of speaking is loss of your job, you can’t logically insist that is free speech. It isn’t.

[@timbo7762]

unleash the pink vest yes! James top man

[@zacratabua1962]

I think you all have the right to tell Israel Falau that he is wrong but sacking him because of his beliefs I think that is wrong and destroys freedom of speach

[@ishotgud3920]

Freedom of speech means you can say what you want, it doesn't mean that you're immune to the consequences of what you say.

[@mojojojo218]

I called you a " Git " ... but you have proved me wrong Mr Haskel ... My sincere apologies !

[@ChateuDeIF]

What a lot of the people commenting on here forget. Israel Folau is an employee of Rugby Australia and the Warratahs. As an employee he will have a contract, that will no doubt include a code of conduct. I am pretty sure most people in employment of the western world will have the same. So if you were to make the comments on a company intranet like Folua has, I would stake my house on it, there would be most likely dismissal, given if this was done previously. There is no religious argument. His comments are a nonsense and have no place in a civilized and morally sound world. Further to this, you choose your religion. It is not something you are.

[@teholly1297]

The way that Haskell talks about not wanting to be a role model (because he's not perfect) is what makes him a role model

[@vagalN]

And where is the Cristian rep in this discussion- nowhere to be seen.

[@kathrindoll6903]

I would like to know the same thing, where is the christian reprensentation?

[@ChateuDeIF]

Probably preaching and pointing judgemental fingers at others no doubt

[@nicoleolson6617]

If you're using your religion to keep other people down, you're doing it wrong.

[@Theremedialgash]

Hated James 'the brand ' Haskell as a welsh. top man genuinely love the guy now.

[@ludaheracles7201]

Mate thats gash

[@ethancurley6842]

They’re his religious beliefs Hask, the Bible condemns homosexuals multiple times he’s not “misinformed”. Take it up with the Bible and pull away from the outrage mob trying to ruin Folau’s life. He’s a special rugby player and should be allowed to compete at international level, even if he thinks he’s some kind of preacher on social media and everyone else thinks he’s a tit. Let him believe what he wants rightly or wrongly.

[@Jonbombs]

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In other words, chat shit get banged. If Folau wants to pick a fight against the world, he shouldn't be afforded special protection when it hits him back.

[@dulls8475]

Ask yourself if a Christian rugby player could have come on that program and defended their point of view without losing their career? So few see the danger in our loss of freedom of speech which means freedom from consequence. Well done house of rugby for being at the vanguard of pc liberalism.

[@TheMintedAero1993]

They've cut Hask's 15 again... Adam Johnson?

[@harryyeomans4359]

Haskells 15 cut again im guess Adam Johnson for the usual noone getting past him

[@jyazman]

Well done James you have explained original sin so if we follow this idea to its logical conclusion religion has no place in today's society???

[@smartiepancake]

I prefer Alex to the last guy

[@EnglishVeteran]

So, apparently Christians shouldn’t go around discussing their views on Christianity, but Homosexuals are praised for promoting themselves! We have arrived in 1984!!

[@davidjones272]

Gay people don't accuse Christians of being sinners, who will literally suffer for all eternity for their romantic preferences.

[@sekanssekans7059]

what a goof.

[@dulls8475]

@@davidjones272 Well if God is true then Folau is making a statement of fact so he correct to warn them. If there is no Christian God then do as you please as it does not matter what you do. Go smash a car up as it is neither right or wrong, just a matter of opinion .

[@Tok732]

The bible clearly says that, so God is not a Man that he should lies so all your opinion doesn’t matter

[@fleshen]

I was told years ago Gareth Thomas was gay whilst watching him score for Wales and whats more plenty of people in Welsh rugby knew he was and didn't care, why did it matter! Welsh rugby is a very small community it made sense that people knew!They just kept it to themselves!

[@mjribes]

I stand with Izzy!

[@11Shot111]

Imagine getting upset at someone for claiming the god you don't believe in, said in the book you don't read, that unless you don't repent of the sin you don't care about, you will go to a place you don't think exists?

[@zafferung4440]

Imagine getting upset at people being gay. How pathetic.

[@jakesharpe8056]

Current coaches XV?

[@Bisto17]

Can you please point out to Nick that Saracens rested their big guns last week as well.

[@kev695]

Where was the show of love, solidarity and support for the drunk, atheist fornicators of the rugby community... we too are offended and upset! And what about the poor old thieves?

[@mick6370]

Happy St George's Day, Onward Christian Soldiers, keep the faith.

[@mothothebe5974]

good discussion but there needed to be someone on the other side to level out the point of view.

[@philipstorey8370]

17 minutes in still no comments about James friends.

[@coreyrutherford7231]

At the end of the day it doesn't matter what man says but what GOD says. When GOD says something is sin, its sin. I stand for Jesus Christ and I stand for my brother Israel. He said Homosexuals will go to hell unless they repent. They left that part out.