It is timefor the removal of Israel Folau from Rugby Aus

In response to Israel Folau’s comments, the Christchurch Heroes LGBTI+ Sports Trust, Co-Chair, Rāwā Karetai speaks out against the Folau’s comments. “It is time to call for the removal of Israel Folau as an ambassador and Player of Rugby”.

“This is not just an attack on the LGBTI+ community; this is an attack on most of society”. Karetai continued. “I would argue that Folau has now crossed over into hate speech”.

“In our opinion, Folau does not represent the values of the sport and has shown once again that he is disrespectful to all the members of our Rugby community”. Last year, Folau made similar comments and was reprimanded at the time. “This is round two, now. Folau should have learnt the lesson a year ago and has not. He is a repeat offender who needs to be dealt with swiftly, and Rugby Australia should not let this carry on”. Karetai said.

Karetai continued by saying that, “In the time of celebrating the successes of Trans rights in Tasmania, I am saddened to hear that yet again, as we step forward for human rights, we are being criticised for being who we are”. Homophobia is a real problem in sport as demonstrated in recent research done 2015 by Out on the Fields. 84% of participants have witnessed or experienced homophobia in sports and that 83% of openly out people would not feel safe as a spectator at a sports event.

We are fortunate here in New Zealand that the New Zealand Rugby Boss, Steve Tew wants to fix sport’s homophobia problem. The Christchurch Heroes is calling for a Zero tolerance to homophobia in sport, and that sport must do more to fight homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

In the spirit of inclusion and unity, the Christchurch LGBTI+ community through Christchurch Pride raised $7000 for St. Johns after the mosque incident as an example of how we show love to our community. Karetai finished by saying, “All we want; is to be loved and accepted as we are in society and protected under the law”.

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