A man who runs and throws balls around a paddock for a living has told the internet that gays, fornicators and adulterers are destined for hell.
Some gays, fornicators and adulterers are upset about this and would like this man's bosses to stop paying him for playing around in the paddock.
- Duncan Garner: 'Do not shut people like Israel Folau out'
- Rugby Australia blasts Israel Folau over controversial social media posts
- Israel Folau claims gay people are destined for hell again, gets blasted
Others have gone further and think that the paddock man should get in trouble with the police.
Here are five reasons nobody should be offended by Israel Folau and nothing should be done about his comments:
1. Hell is not a real place. Being offended by the idea that you are destined for an imaginary land is as daft as being offended by the idea Santa won't visit Christian kids this Christmas. Santa's not real, and neither is hell. No matter who the target of this type of warning - religious groups, homosexuals or certain races - there are no real-world consequences for them.
2. Israel is a paddock man who throws balls around. He's a rugby player, a bloody great one at that. He's not a priest, a politician or a policeman. He is not elected to represent our views. He's just good at footy and shouldn't be held up as a saint whose opinions, preferences and off-field behaviour are to be modelled.
3. You don't have to listen to him. Isn't that the great thing about the internet and social media? You can block him. Outrage over!
4. It's not hate speech because it does not incite violence. Also, refer to point one above.
5. Some say Israel Folau's views inform and brainwash the impressionable minds of young people. Well, they shouldn't. It's a parent's job to help their kids think for themselves and think critically. They should challenge and ponder the views of those they might look up to as 'role models' because not everyone is perfect. Everybody, from politicians to policemen to rugby players can say and do stupid shit. Young people should be able to discern between a good person and a bad comment.
To the bosses of the paddock man who's really good at his job, please don't fire him.
To those wanting paddock man flogged, arrested or sued, please just don't follow him.
To the rest of you, let's just keep things in perspective and remember that this man is one man.
His views don't define a sport and his comments, while stupid and misguided, should not really offend anybody.
Magic Talk.
