Share

Ref Owens declares Folau offside for comments on gay people

Cape Town - Openly gay rugby referee Nigel Owens has chastised Waratahs and Wallabies star Israel Folau for airing insensitive views that could have potential life-threatening consequences, according to the Stuff website.

Owens, writing in his column in Wales' Western Mail, has responded in typically frank fashion to Folau's latest public display of his views on  sexuality.  

Six months after tweeting his opposition to same-sex marriage ahead of Australia's marriage equality postal vote last year, Folau said recently on Instagram that God's plan for gay people was "HELL... Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God".

Folau has 337 000 followers on Instagram and made the comment in reply to a question from another user on his 29th birthday.

Owens, who has previously chronicled his own tortuous route to accepting his sexuality, worried the effect Folau's words would have on young people struggling with acceptance of their sexuality at this time.

"Comments like Israel Folau's about gay people, and all other types of bullying by all kinds of people, is what can put people like that young boy in that moment where it's enough to tip them over the edge, because there is a minority who give the impression you cannot be who you truly are."

Owens said he accepted Folau's right to have a view like he did on same-sex marriage, but felt his post had crossed an important line.

"Yes, you are entitled to your opinion but one should understand what that opinion can do to young and vulnerable people's lives, in particular ones in a bad place dealing with their sexuality."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE