Israel Folau has been sacked because he is anti gay...not
because he is anti adultery (adultery is okay, right?), nor anti liars (because
lying is acceptable as well) or because he is anti drunkenness (never mind the
stats on alcohol related violence because abusing alcohol is also sweet). I can't hear anyone complaining about him
condemning liars to Hell, or fornicators. The headlines don't say Israel
Folau's career is in tatters after he posted anti thief comments. There is no
mention in the stories, or any of the soundbites of concerned and outraged
people, about Folau damning adulterers. Where's the outcry from those who are having sex with other people's husbands and wives?
Most people, even those who practice
these things, accept that they are at wrong. The Bible does say that
those who have sex outside of marriage ie fornicate, together with those who
lie and steal will not inherit the Kingdom of God. When Folau says that his
words are from the Bible, he's telling the truth.
There is a list which
includes generally agreed upon bad behaviours and homosexual practice is one of
them. Call it what you want: homophobic opinion, puritanism, fundamentalism, or
just call it offensive BS. The fact is Folau is simply stating what he believes
to be true. The focus is on homosexuality/homophobia because he is likening homosexuality to all those other things* which are more or less acceptable depending on whatever you believe, or whatever suits your circumstances. He's saying that there is something wrong with homosexuality. That's what's wrong. I see. That must be the reason he's been sacked.
Not exactly. Regular people can have divergent, even
offensive opinions. Having such opinions and voicing them indiscriminately either results in calcification of prejudice among
the bigot's peers, or their ostracization by people who are intolerant towards
intolerance. On the other hand, people in positions of influence, people with a
public profile like sport stars, can have divergent, even offensive opinions but
they had better keep them to themselves or else they will be publicly
criticized and perhaps lose their jobs. They can't state their opinion about
anything unless it falls in line with what opinion those who pay them expect to
them to have.This is essentially why Folau's outspokenness has landed him in
hot water.
The sad truth is we facing some pretty serious threats
against freedom of speech, religion and association. The hysteria about Israel
Folau's tweet demonstrates the distinction between public speech and private
sentiment is becoming a chasm of hypocrisy and melodrama.
I'm personally pretty disappointed that no one has stepped
up to defend those who worship idols, idolaters in other words, from Israel
Folau's cruel judgements. What? Nobody worships idols anymore? Really? That's a
relief.
*I wanted to use the word "sin" but I didn't because that word offends some people.
