Israel Folau
Rugby player Israel Folau has drawn anger for linking Australia’s bushfire crisis to the nation’s same-sex marriage and abortion laws.
Folau, who was sacked by Australia in May for making anti-gay remarks on social media, described the fires as a “little taste of God’s judgement”.
Six people have died since last month in blazes raging in eastern Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison condemned Folau’s remarks as “appallingly insensitive”.
Folau, who is Christian, gave a sermon in his Sydney church on Sunday in which he said Australia’s decision to pass abortion and same-sex marriage laws had gone against “God’s word”, adding the nation needed to “repent”.
“Look how rapid, these bushfires, these droughts, all these things have come, in a short period of time. You think it’s a coincidence or not?,” he said.
His comments sparked outrage from many Australians online, who noted the widespread devastation of the fires.
He was also criticised by high-profile local figures who had previously supported him.
