Folau, the Left, and Double Standards

When I penned my 15th piece on Israel Folau yesterday, I really thought that would be the last one – for sure! But it seems that every day, if not every hour, a new development arises. New twists and turns keep coming up, and the latest is a real doozy.

I spoke yesterday about all the hysteria being generated over the GoFundMe campaign that Folau had set up to cover $3 million in legal costs. All the usual suspects became altogether unhinged over that one, including some carnal and clueless Christians.

I expect the God-haters to rip into him, but it is always shocking when so-called Christians do just the same. But it seems that all the loons who screamed in protest about the campaign have got their way. It has now been taken down! GoFundMe has decided that this was all too much, so they promptly pulled his campaign!

I kid you not. But what they said about it really takes the cake. GoFundMe Australia regional manager Nicola Britton opined:

Today we will be closing Israel Folau’s campaign and issuing full refunds to all donors. After a routine period of evaluation, we have concluded that this campaign violates our terms of service. As a company, we are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity. While we welcome GoFundMes engaging in diverse civil debate, we do not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-gofundme-appeal-shut-down-by-crowdfunding-site-20190624-p520nh.html

OK, so let me see if I got this straight: in the name of “fostering an environment of inclusivity” and not tolerating “promotion of discrimination or exclusion,” they have determined that they will NOT foster an environment of inclusivity to Israel Folau and they WILL promote discrimination and exclusion of Bible-believing Christians.

Righteo. I see how that works. Of course this is the same Christophobic outfit that pulled the plug on Christian cakemaker Jack Phillips’ campaign in the US. So these guys have a habit of putting on display their anti-Christian bigotry – all in the name of tolerance and inclusion of course. In the meantime, you will still find funding campaigns for folks like Sarah Hanson Young – no problems there it seems.

Remind me once more what that word is that starts with ‘h’ and ends with ‘ypocrisy’? Not that it is surprising that the secular left thrives on double standards and hypocrisy, but every new case of it is still rather jarring. Either they are totally oblivious to what they are doing, or they are so far down the rabbit hole that it means nothing to them.

And what obviously got them so incensed was the fact that so many thousands if not tens of thousands of ordinary Australians were supporting Folau – with their hard-earned cash. They demonstrated by their sacrificial giving that they fully supported him while they intensely disliked the anti-Christian bigotry of Rugby Australia.

Indeed, in just a few days around three quarters of a million dollars had already been donated. As I keep saying, this is ultimately about religious freedom. Australians are getting fed up with the PC totalitarians who are trying to control everything and everyone.

And the sporting world is just one place where this is taking place, and Australians have had a gutful of it. Whether it is idiotic “behavioural awareness officers” at AFL games, or trans athletes decimating women’s sports, or leftist thugs booting out Bible-believing Christians, they are fed up with this.

As I also keep saying, the issue here has nothing to do with how wealthy Folau might be – nor his supporters. It is all about one important thing: Christian solidarity. Those folks who are donating to him know full well that today it is Izzy Folau, and tomorrow it will likely be them.

They see quite clearly that there is an ugly and sustained crackdown on Christianity taking place. And they can see through all the empty rhetoric about inclusion and acceptance and tolerance. They know that biblical Christians do NOT qualify for any of this. They see this for what it is: a full-fledged war on Christianity, and on any believers who boldly dare to stand up for their faith.

And the lessons of history have not been lost on them. To paraphrase the German pastor and Holocaust survivor Martin Niemoller:

In Australia they came first for Archbishop Julian Porteous, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a cleric.
Then they came for Bernard Gaynor, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Catholic.
Then they came for Margaret Court, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a tennis player.
Then they came for Lyle Shelton, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a lobbyist.
Then they came for Israel Folau, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a footballer.
Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Yes that is where things have now come to. We either stand together or fall together. Or as Benjamin Franklin put it, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately”. It is time for some real Christian solidarity here.

Where to now for Folau is a moot point. But I keep being reminded of the words of Mark Steyn who so often has said, “The left does not want to win the debate, it wants to shut down the debate.” It is not interested in tolerance and inclusion, it is interested in domination and exclusion.

That is why Folau’s battle is so very, very important. When he gets hammered and persecuted, we all do. Now is not the time for cowardice and capitulation. Right now we need many more Folaus, not less. As Thomas Sowell reminds us, “If the battle for civilization comes down to the wimps versus the barbarians, the barbarians are going to win.”

It is time to stand with Izzy. It is time to stand for biblical Christianity against the secular left overlords and the rainbow tyrants.

[1004 words]

43 Replies to “Folau, the Left, and Double Standards”

  1. Well said Bill. As for me, I have tried all day to donate to Israel Falou but was met with no where to go.
    Could you please indicate where I can make a donation as I am keen to support this shining light of God

    Further, could you pleas indicate where Israel Falou goes to pray as I am keen to join him there also.

    A thought:- Why don’t we all join him for prayer at his Church and show the queers that we haven’t and will not go away.
    John Abbott

  2. Yes once again a Christian is excluded from “the market place” in the name of “inclusiveness” Why? because he chose to follow the Creator rather than man. What will follow on from this. Further exclusions for Christians but also for non believers who have a belief in free speech. Increasingly we will all be required to sign a “code of conduct” agreement preventing us from basing any of our personal beliefs on the Gospels or personal “morals and ethics”, whether in or out of the workplace. What I find surprising, or possibly not, is the silence of the Trade Unions whom are supposedly the bastions of free speech and Workers rights. Surely, an employers control over a workers ability to hold ones own beliefs or opinions would be an issue which would cause Unionists to march in the streets and to picket the head quarters of Rugby Australia and Qantas. Apparently not. I wonder why?

  3. Lisa Wilkinson asked Martyn Iles if gays go to hell.

    Wondering why don’t she ask her Project colleague Waleed Aly.

    Obviously, she knows what his answer will be and so too afraid to ask.

    Like all mainstream “Aussies”, only pick on someone or some groups they think they can bully.

  4. As a group, can we set one up for Izzy?
    I am happy to donate.
    For the critics sake, put in a disclaimer that reads, “I do not expect Izzy to repay me or use the money I donate towards his legal fees, infact, it is a gift and Izzy can spend however he wishes. “

  5. I’m curious about the tone of the trial body that interrogated Izzy. So, was the jury respectful? Were they compassionate in their questioning of him? Did they uphold his right of innocence before guilt? Did they at any point in his trial call the witnesses who could actually corroborate the truth and is the author of Izzys quotations?
    Okay, we know the answer to those questions, it’s a resounding NO. But now we also know where the railroad terminates – right at Rugby House.

  6. Again discrimination against those that dare to disagree. The statement of GoFundMe is biased and ridiculous. Most people will wake up to late, so sad that inclusivity means agree with us or you are out in the cold.

  7. It obviously would be neither prudent nor wise to disclose Israel Folau’s home address publicly, but I can’t help wondering how long Australia Post would provide him with a P O Box…
    That not be as far fetched as it seems. After all, ‘supporting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans* and Intersex Plus (LGBTI+) community through PostPride’ is part of their diversity and inclusivity programme.
    How long might it be before the same language that GoFundMe used could be used by Australia Post?

  8. There are always watershed moments that polarise those that make up the mainstream Christian community into action; into deciding which side of the fight they wish to be on. This seems to be one such moment.

    I look forward to finding out which platform he moves his legal campaign funding request to. Similar to Bernard Gaynor’s long fight, the outcome of this battle will determine much about Christian practice in Australia in the short to medium term.

  9. Looks like GoFundMe (never again) charges a fee of 2.2% + 30 cents per donation. Wonder if they’ll be charging Israel Folau or donators any fees. Maybe they should be sued for breach of contract or decency as well.

  10. Bill thank you for your article which I totally agree with. I am in Fiji and realise what is happening in Australia to Christianity and free speech. I hope we come to a day when we treat these Leftist like they do in the Eastern block. With rifle butts and a kick to the head.

  11. Not on! Where is freedom of speech gofundme? This is a mockery of what you lot are supposed to stand for. Obviously very biased – not impressed.

  12. A fund raiser for the building of a mosque is funded through GoFundMe.

    Don’t know why Izzy’s critics and the LGBT movements not jumping up and down on GoFundMet?

    Again, too scared.

  13. Hi Bill,
    Not content to leave Maria Folua alone to use a social media account to promote her husband Israel’s GoFundMe campaign, ex Australian Netballer legend Liz Ellis has criticised the sport’s governing bodies after they defended the right of Adelaide Thunderbirds player Maria Folau to exercise her personal rights.

    Ellis, decried as “not good enough’’ diplomatic statements from the governing bodies.
    “Yeah nah not good enough,’’ Ellis tweeted. “How about this: There is no room for homophobia in our game. Anyone who is seen to support or endorse homophobia is not welcome. As much as I love watching @MariaFolau play netball I do not want my sport endorsing the views of her husband.’’

    The claim by Ellis is actually false as per comments from the CEO Netball SA.

    Bronwyn Klei, the chief executive of Netball SA said.“Netball South Australia is fiercely determined to provide an inclusive environment that allows anyone to participate in the great game of netball regardless of gender, religious belief, age, race or sexual orientation,” “We also believe in fairness and perspective,” she continued. “While Netball SA in no way endorses the reposting, we do not believe Maria has contravened our social media policy.”

    So the nastiness and aggression continues against the Folua family. Ellis should wisely keep out of this issue instead of creating a issue that is actually not an issue. Australian society has become completely PC twisted if supporting your husband is considered homophobic. What does that say about women’s rights to free speech LIZ Ellis?
    100% Appalled with Ellis. I always thought she had a big mouth and an even bigger ego. She proved the case. Source “the Australian” newspaper,

    Phil B

  14. Let me know how I can help with Izzy’s funding to fight this Goliath.

  15. Another potential victim of the rainbow serpent. The maddest comment came from perennial serial leftie, he of the red bandanna and ex-ruggernaut, Peter FitzSimons when he said “The people have spoken, and now Folau should listen”- referring to Go-fund me pulling Folau’s crowd funding. Sorry Peter, it’s just because the people have effectively spoken to the tune of nearly $3/4 mills. in three days that the rainbow coalition was getting scared and enlisted the help of their techno fascist mates to silence an opposing opinion.
    The US disease which saw the defunding of a host of top US conservatives has well and truly crossed the Pacific and infected Australia. With no 1st Amendment rights, we are going to find it more difficult in getting justice.
    And as for comments from the usual Fabian talking heads in the media that all Folau needs to do is cash in some assets to pay for himself without public donations, if we, the people, believe in an issue so strongly that we are prepared to give to a worthy cause, what Folau has from his hard earned assets, he can keep. This is far bigger than Israel, it’s about the right of Christians to speak freely without losing their means of earning a living.

  16. There’s an interesting and, for once, supportive piece here: https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/pouring-petrol-on-the-flames-dark-consequence-of-shutting-down-israel-folaus-gofundme/news-story/f2db7cd66d46b50fe5408fbc1f63033e

    The article notes that Will Connolly, the teen who assaulted Senator Fraser Anning, was able to raise $100,000 via the platform. What the piece doesn’t note is that the ToS explicitly state that you may not use the platform to support or defend violence, hate, bullying etc. Apparently you can violate the ToS with impunity if you belong to the correct side. Since Folau belongs to the wrong side the fact he isn’t violating their ToS doesn’t matter – they just banned him because they object to him.

    Random thought, since that’s unlawful discrimination, and since GoFundMe is Australia based – they apparently have an office in Tower One – International Towers Sydney, Level 46, 100 Barangaroo Avenue, 2000, Sydney, NSW, might politicians bring pressure to bear on them? I wonder if it’d be worth writing to local MPs to inquire about what appears to be blatant violations of Australian law?

  17. Where can one find an unambiguous, clear, straightforward definition of the emotive word ‘homophobia’? It seems the LGBTQI+ ‘community’ would struggle to provide one that is universally recognised and accepted. Also, exactly what human right is Israel Falau supposed to have breached in his contract? I’ve yet to discover any open, unconfusing and objective clarification by RA of an alleged ‘breach of contract’ by Izzy. It seems pretty obvious to me RA is well and truly immersed in the quagmire of PC ‘discrimination’ – part of the overall onslaught on Christianity.

  18. Be nice to hear of a Top Notch legal firm offering to go pro bono in Folau’s defense?
    Just for the sake of Justice? (I.e.fair play, equality and his right to inclusiveness before the law)
    Terrence McDonnell

  19. Very measured and well thought out article. You rarely see that from journalists. Please let us know when and where we can donate to Folau’s court case. I will double down on my original donation.

  20. I respect anyone who stands up for their faith and freedom of belief. People should have right to support Folau.

  21. God has said He will honour those who honour Him.

    …For I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me will be cursed!
    – 1 Samuel 2:30c [NET]

    These words bring both comfort and great soul-searching to those who take them seriously.

    The present impasse reminds me of the words found in Isaiah 59:12-17, where one translation has it that “truth is fallen in the street”…

  22. Yeah!
    A good legal team defending Christian Folau could take the law not only to Rugby Australia but also their high flying (global) sponsors and our Main Stream Media too.
    ATM it seems the anti life bigots are ruling the roost.
    Terrence McDonnell

  23. There are 10.4 million Christians in Australia, and now more than ever we must come forward and stand with Izzy Faloiu, for the fight he will have is not just about what he said and his beliefs, it is about all of our Christian rights and religion, and our freedom of speech as the constitutions said that we have the right to do and have. He should have the right to take his case before this Government and demand he is given his rights, as well as us 10.399 milion people should have the right to do also. He should not have to raise money to be able to defend himself and all of our freedoms for free speech and religion, that is our given right. I am a Christian and I stand with him 100% on these issues. This will be the fight of all our Christians lives in Australia and we must stand united for dived we will all fall. If he needs the money then we will get it for him. If 10.400 Christians give him 50 cents each he will have more than enough to fight the whole Government on these most important issues. But please remember to open a non for profit company to channel the funds into, as this Government will tax that money as quickly as it comes in as they did to the farmers donations.

  24. I may have missed something but why was GoFundMe being used in the first place if it has form in closing campaigns? I am glad there are other avenues for funding.

  25. Imagine the Bible was quoted by a man named Fred Folau.
    Imagine the un-ferocious response.
    There are many levels / rhelms involved here.
    The man’s name is ‘ISRAEL’.

  26. Hey Bill,
    The acl campaign has now raised over $500,000 for the Israel Folau legal defence within a few hours, So we praise God. Clearly many Australians are deeply concerned about the controversial and continuous attacks on personal and religious beliefs. This issue affects every employee in Australia,
    God bless Phil

  27. We are living in a world where absolutes have been replaced by opinion and fancy. What hatred lives in the dark hearts of those opposed to Israel Folau! Why does Israel Folau not have the same rights to express his views as those who oppose him?

  28. Thank you Lord for your work in our lives. He has closed the door to evil (Gofundme) and opened the door to the Australian Christian Lobby and to the world. Christians in Canada, the USA and others have now been made aware of what has happened to our Brother in Christ. GoFundme closing the account has generated much needed international awareness to the co-ordinated worldwide persecution of Christianity. The LGBTQP “community” conned many into believing all they wanted was “marriage” but those same people are now being woken to the fact that they want “blood”, in-particular, Christian “blood”. God is good- All the time!

  29. Thanks guys. Amazing!! The new ACL funding campaign for Folau has just now raised over $750,000 – in a mere 15 hours. It took three days for that amount to be raised on the GayFundMe site. Satan always overplays his hand, and God always gets the last laugh! Thanks to all who contributed. Tomorrow it may be you and I who need such funding.

  30. Actually Folau technically didn’t violate GFM’s terms of service in seeking funds to defend his illegal dismissal from his RA contract. The TOS of Go Fund Me said ”Seeking funding for the legal defence of alleged crimes associated with hate, violence, harassment, bullying, discrimination, terrorism or intolerance of any kind relating to race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, sex, gender or gender identity or serious disabilities or diseases”.
    Folau hasn’t been charged with any alleged crime- the alleged breach of contract with RA by Folau is a civil matter, not criminal.

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