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Australia's Israel Folau

Wallabies star Folau 'respects all people' but 'will not support' same-sex marriage

Australia star Israel Folau’s refusal to support gay marriage led to a mixed reaction from the public on social media.

ISRAEL FOLAU CAUSED a heated Twitter debate on Wednesday after posting a message to explain he would not be supporting same-sex marriage in Australia.

A postal survey on the subject is to be held between September and November, with the Australian Rugby Union behind the ‘Yes’ campaign.

The side’s official Twitter account has been updated with a rainbow wallaby as its picture, while captain Michael Hooper has recently expressed his – and the team’s – support for same-sex marriage.

But that does seemingly not include full-back Folau, a devout Christian, who took to Twitter to make clear his stance:

That post prompted hundreds of responses, most of which expressed disappointment in Folau’s view.

If you love and respect “all” people, then let “all” people have the same rights to be married & be happy #MarriageEquality,” was one reply.

“You can’t say you love and respect people for who they are and in the same sentence say you don’t support gay marriage,” came another.

While one response read:

What a disappointing use of your platform. Disgraceful. Way to contribute to the oppression of LGBTQ community.”

While there were plenty of replies disagreeing with Folau, the 28-year-old also received a number of messages from people defending his right to express his opinion.

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