A petition to take down sacked rugby player Israel Folau's controversial GoFundMe page has surpassed its target of 15,000 signatures.
Sydney man Jay Taylor started the change.org campaign on Friday, June 21. In two days the petition has over 17,000 signatures - exceeding the initial 15,000 target.
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"How is it fair that a man who has millions in property is allowed to ask for money to fight legal fees?" his petition says.
"He not only broke his contract but discriminated against many different people in the world saying it was based off religion. He is dragging the ARU and Christians through the mud."
Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia after continuing to express homophobic views on social media, contravening Rugby Australia's commitment to "inclusiveness".
Folau started his fundraiser on Australian crowdfunding website GoFundMe to raise money for "legal action" against Rugby Australia and Rugby NSW, calling the termination of his contract "unlawful". So far he has raised over AU$630,000.
Folau's fundraiser has received significant backlash, with many people using Taylor's petition to criticise his actions.
"This is absolutely disgusting - a rich man who did the wrong thing, breaching his contract and asking poorer people to support his discrimination," one wrote on the page.
"He should be ashamed! It is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven, Izzy!!"
GoFundMe has also received backlash for hosting Folau's fundraiser, despite their terms and conditions stating they will not allow campaigns supporting or defending causes associated with "hate, harassment, bullying, discrimination, or intolerance of any kind relating to race, ethnicity... sexual orientation, sex, gender or gender identity".
"Through allowing this to happen on their site, GoFundMe are actually supporting the hateful and homophobic view of this bigot," one person commented on Taylor's petition.
Another supporter of Taylor's petition said Folau should donate the money that has been raised to children in need of lifesaving treatment.
"That would be the Christian way - put your money where your mouth is Folau!"
Newshub has reached out to GoFundMe for comment.
Newshub.
