An anti-Israel Folau GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for LGBTQ rights.
The former Wallabies star's contract was terminated by Rugby Australia over a controversial Instagram post in April which took aim at "drunks", "fornicators and "homosexuals".
Folau then launched a page on the popular crowdfunding website in a bid to cover legal costs for his upcoming courtroom battle with his former employer. As of Sunday morning, the millionaire has raised over $600,000 from supporters.
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But a rival campaign has been started, saying, "Folau's intolerance will not be tolerated."
"I want to show Folau that rugby is an inclusive sport, and raise money for pro-LGBT+ causes," organiser Robbie Owen says on the page.
"We cannot know what damage Folau's comments may have had, and it's important we support those looking to undo that damage and aid those who need help being able to be themselves."
The money raised will go to the LGBT charity Stonewall. Owen says he hopes to raise AU$3m to match Folau. After two days £4,676 (NZ$9,038) has been raised.
"I don't expect for a moment that we'll reach this 'target', but the real aim is just to raise more funds than Folau," Owen says.
"The money will be going to a good cause, and it'll send the message once and for all: If he wants to continue to use his profile and platform to preach hate, Israel Folau picked the wrong sport, because intolerance such as his will never be tolerated in rugby."
Folau, who reportedly has a multimillion-dollar property portfolio worth around AU$5.6m (NZ$5.8m), has been criticised by his former teammates for asking for public donations.
Former Waratahs teammate Stephen Hoiles labelled Folau's public pledge "sickening".
"You're paying money to a guy that's made a million bucks a year for probably the last 10-12 years. He doesn't need anyone's money," Holies told Fox Sports.
"When you see, in comparison, the little kids on the exact same page that are fighting for their life, I'm sickened by it."
Former Wallabies backline cohort Drew Mitchell endorsed Hoile's perspective and slammed Folau.
"He's well off," Mitchell said on Fox Sports. "Let's be honest, he's got plenty of assets and things like that, and if he really believed in what he was doing, he could sell off and go fund it himself."
However Folau has also received many messages of support from the 8,000 people who have donated to him.
In an Instagram post on Saturday evening, Folau paid tribute to those who had kindly sent money towards his fund.
"Thank you to all those who have given to my Legal Action Fund so far," Folau wrote to his 363,000 Instagram followers. "I am humbled and overwhelmed by the support I have received, for which I am very grateful.
"I have received thousands of messages from supporters who believe discrimination in the workplace is wrong and has no place in Australia or anywhere else.
"For those not in the position to donate, I value your prayers and messages of support so much. God bless."
Newshub.
