runner,
True enough I don’t fear for my life from Christians at the moment. I’m simply saying there is an antecedent for violence in the religion and further radicalisation might spur it ever closer to tangible violence, and part of that process can begin with incendiary speech. In fact, we already see it with anti-abortion bombings and shootings. It’s no exaggeration to say many sectors of society are becoming increasingly isolated and prone to extremism, and faithful Christians (not lukewarm progressive ones) are getting pushed into a corner. I’m not being biased here with Christians; we see the same thing with, like you say, Antifa.

I’ll repeat what I said above:
It seems like the more diverse society becomes in its myriad forms, the vaguer freedom of speech becomes as an acceptable arbiter when the line between innocent if obnoxious speech and desired intent mends the distance between its hitherto established boundaries

'In fact, we already see it with anti-abortion bombings and shootings.'

Really Ahenobarbus

I must have missed that news. When in Australia did this last happen? Those killing the unborn would be far more comfortable than your run of the mill peaceful anti abortionist.

It's a bit like the 'Same-Sex Marriage' debate. Many agreed, as I'm sure many disagreed, as the debate rolled on? Really it's just a person's opinion after all. And that was precisely what Israel FOLAU had uttered, his own opinion, and nothing more.

runner,
In 2001

Well, I have to agree with Foxy's observations on this.

Israel crossed the line here, and, given his earlier warning in this regard, can only be assessed as doing so knowingly - even if he was coerced or influenced to do so by some undeclared agency or some irresistible 'urge' to declare and expound this 'gem' of his 'faith' or of his 'calling' to enlighten others.

He had a contract, he broke the covenant, he suffers the consequences.

Does his mistake compare with that of others in the 'game' who abuse their wives/spouses or other female (or male) 'acquaintances'? I think not. But, inclusiveness and acceptance of diversity have been rightly embraced as key aspirations of the game's image - particularly in view of some notable instances of vile behaviour on behalf of some of sport's participants, and of some spectators as well. (And, did not a post on this thread point to Israel's glowing remarks in support of tournaments for gays and female competitors?) Hypocrisy?

'God made MAN in his own image.'
(And, despite what some troglodytes on this forum might think, mankind is entirely comprised of Homo Sapiens Sapiens, in all its configurations - black, white, red, yellow and brindled.)(Sincerely mean no offence to any by this description.)
'God is infallible'. (So, obviously, gays, etc, are all welcome.)
'God is LOVE.' (Surely needs no 'translation'.)
'Turn the other cheek', 'Do unto others', 'Love thy neighbour'. (What? Only when it suits? Please, be real!)

Israel Folau has been misled by 'narrow' teachings, and that is unfortunate (and outdated), but he is not alone in this, and some others must be held complicit in perpetuating such 'narrowness' and therefore should be found 'wanting'.
A great guy from all accounts; sadly fed an old, sad, unenlightened load of codswallop.

Pay out Israel's $4million contract? You must be joking. But he should be allowed to change codes (if he agrees to 'behave').

Is Mise,
Please let's not conflate this with comparisons with Islam. Not the issue.
Want to talk about Christchurch? or America? or Buddhists in Myanmar, or Bosnia, Kurdistan/Turkey, Kashmir, Rwanda, Israel and the Golan?
'An eye for an eye', and we all end up blind?

Posted by Ahenobarbus, Thursday, 18 April 2019 2:24:31 PM:
"It seems like the more diverse society becomes in its myriad forms, the vaguer freedom of speech becomes as an acceptable arbiter when the line between innocent if obnoxious speech and desired intent mends the distance between its hitherto established boundaries."

Freedom of speech has bounds, whether we like it or not. (See Discrimination.)
(And, IMHO, 'hate speech' should be a crime.)

Peace, Brothers and Sisters.
(And, Runner, what about women's rights to choose. Are you sexist?)
(And gw and evolution are non-science, myths, or a conspiracy? Do you know the Earth is not flat, is 4 Billion years old, and Man did not coexist with Dinosaurs - except current ones.)