For a minute there, I thought that you were defending his comments.

I think my opening of this thread shows my position.

Use of a natural disaster to push a religious doctrine is pretty widespread though. Every major disaster in the US is seen by some religious group as punishment by their God. Even 9/11 was not spared with Billy Graham's daughter having her say on why 3000 people had to die.



Folau is just another in a long long line that uses a disaster to promote beliefs.

You'd think that if there was an omnipotent being as powerful as these people believe, they would just not make gays or change the laws of nature so that abortion wasn't possible.



But no, they throw natural disasters around the place, killing people that are not gay and never had an abortion. it's like they're making stuff up to suit an agenda. Why does god always seem to have sexual hang-ups? Busy fine tuning the very fabric of reality but doesn't like the thought of one of his animals penetrating the mud donut. Anyone who believes this nonsense wants locking away!

Yet we teach this thing, that there is not a shred of evidence for, to impressionable young children.

The only way religion maintains its existence is through the fear and indoctrination of young people.

Quote Seth="Seth"Is anyone still willing to claim his 'freedom of speech' after this...https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rte.ie/amp/1092536/ The guys a religious fundamentalist nutjob the like of which need putting away.'" I do. Freedom of speech does not mean you only hear what you want to hear. Its only the same nonsenses most fundamental religions preach, Judaism, Muslim and Christianity to name a few, shall we ban the opinions of a billion people?. People like you need to grasp the reality of life and while you're at it get off your high horse

Quote Seth="Seth"Is anyone still willing to claim his 'freedom of speech' after this...https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rte.ie/amp/1092536/ The guys a religious fundamentalist nutjob the like of which need putting away.'" I do. Freedom of speech does not mean you only hear what you want to hear. Its only the same nonsenses most fundamental religions preach, Judaism, Muslim and Christianity to name a few, shall we ban the opinions of a billion people?. People like you need to grasp the reality of life and while you're at it get off your high horse

Really, and who decides this, you and your virtual echo chamber mates I suppose.

Unbelievable, listen to yourself, 'locking away' now who's the fascist.



If he doesn't agree with gay marriage etc so what, it's just an opinion that very few other people are interested in, whilst those who are didn't need the help of an ageing rugby player to get there. The outrage that the twitter generation seems almost genetically programmed to supply at every utterance is only oxygen to these types of courses but they never seem to learn, or maybe they too are just looking for an argument.



I detest all religion but its not my job to tell them what to believe, mainly because if I did I'd be as bad as them. THINK ABOUT IT.

Quote Seth="Seth"Is anyone still willing to claim his 'freedom of speech' after this...https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rte.ie/amp/1092536/ The guys a religious fundamentalist nutjob the like of which need putting away.'" Yes I will. I do not agree with what he is saying but I will fight fir his right to say it. Quite simple offence is taken not given. Again I wholeheartedly disagree with what he is saying but our grandparents n parents fought and lost their lives for our freedoms and all I see is easily outraged people allowing our rights as free people be taken away so some snowflake doesn't get upset.

Quote Seth="Seth"Is anyone still willing to claim his 'freedom of speech' after this...https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rte.ie/amp/1092536/ The guys a religious fundamentalist nutjob the like of which need putting away.'" Yes I will. I do not agree with what he is saying but I will fight fir his right to say it. Quite simple offence is taken not given. Again I wholeheartedly disagree with what he is saying but our grandparents n parents fought and lost their lives for our freedoms and all I see is easily outraged people allowing our rights as free people be taken away so some snowflake doesn't get upset.

Wow. So let me get this right, youre saying you see no danger in preaching fundamentalist hatred? Where does that end, with holocaust deniers? Racism?

Do you not think that this would fall under hate speech?



"abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice against a particular group, especially on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation."



If you truly believe that these comments are acceptable under the banner freedom of speech then I strongly suggest that you read up on Part 3A of the Public Order Act 1986.

I agree, something tells me some of these views would be very different if this was aimed at race instead of sexual orientation, but as I have already mentioned both are hate speech and both are illegal.

Nope I said he is free to say what he wants as are you or I. Because you may not agree with it doesn't mean he da not say it??



Offence is taken and not given if your offended by what he says then that's just too bad facts don't care about feelings mate he is free to say what he wants until people like you take away even more freedoms people have died to protect.

Not hate speach they're his beliefs and opinions

You have been listening to too much Ricky Gervais old boy, of course Folau`s comments are going to cause offence, your snowflake comment is just completely ridiculous in this case, I don`t see how anyone that is offended by Folau`s comments could be labelled a snowflake...

Listen, nut jobs who preach extremist ideals have lead to millions of deaths. Your grandad didnt fight in the war so people could preach hatred, they fought for the opposite. Nazi ideals became a frightening reality.

Okay, so as long as you believe something, you can say what you want to? Thanks for clearing this up.

Folau has a right to his beliefs, just as people have a right to criticise them. Personally I blame the media outlets printing his views, they know that he’ll be controversial and cause uproar.



I’m not a religious person, and I don’t bash those who are, but I would love to see Folau provide undeniable proof that “God” was behind these bushfires as a punishment.

That is the worst comment yet, you're getting hysterical as is the way with the easily outraged.



The best defence I ever heard for TRUE freedom of speech was this.



On seeing a red poppy being burned by some extremist, perhaps even the sort you like, when asked why he the seller wasn't outraged he answered thus...



'I fought for two years in the deserts of North Africa so they can live in a country where they are free to do that, it hurts me but real freedom always comes with a little pain'.



So if I were you I'd drop the 'grandad' nonsense.

OK so the answer is ultimately change the law so we all hade the same vies beliefs and opinions and lock up those who don't agree yes that's the kind of stuff my grandad did fight to stop.



I have enough belief that the majority of the population don't agree with what he says and would offer up a reasoned argument with him about his beliefs and opinions, and won't be swayed by his arguments.

I am afraid you already have your answer to this particular case, the answer is the law is already there as a deterrent to people that spread such hatred (In the UK that is)... Again, look it up as there are numerous acts that cover this as hate speech and it can carry a prison sentence.

Yes but what he said was not hate speach you may twist it to suit your own view but it was not hate speach nor was he inciting anybody.

Just because you are not directing it at an individual, it does not mean it is not hate speech. We have kids (And adults for that matter) all over the world, still figuring themselves out committing suicide because of comments like this and you are happy to label it freedom of speech under the guise of Christianity?

He has stated his beleif. I do not agree with what he has said but we (should) be able to express our beliefs as long as it does not incite racism or violence.

I'm sure most people do not agree with what he says but we must not silence him just because his view is outdated and does not fit the 'perceived norm'.