An Australian rugby player who was fired earlier this year for posting a Bible verse that referenced homosexuality has been vindicated.
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Israel Folau, a devout Christian, lost his four-year, $4 million contract in May for this post:
“Warning: Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters, hell awaits you. Repent! Only Jesus saves.”
The 30-year-old son of a pastor added three Bible verses in his caption along with, “Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin.”
A Rugby Australia (RA) panel found the post breached his contract, but reached a settlement Wednesday. Both parties apologized for any “hurt or harm” caused to the other.
“We are extremely pleased with the settlement reached today,” Folau, alongside his wife, Maria, said in a video posted on his website. “With today’s acknowledgment and apology by Rugby Australia, we have been vindicated and can now move on with our lives to focus on our faith and our family.”
The Christian rugby star thanked his supporters and said he isn’t giving up the fight to help others.
“We started this journey on behalf of all people of faith, to protect their rights of freedom of speech and religion,” he explained. “We now look forward to the federal government enacting the legislation necessary to further protect and strengthen these rights for all Australians.”