COMMENT:
Writing in The Conversation this week, Australian Uniting Church minister Geoff Thompson said the Israel/Maria Folau debate was "a perfect storm of race, religion, sport, politics, sex, law and rights".
The transtasman tempest, which began with Australian rugby player Israel Folau's fire-and-brimstone posts on social media and subsequent contractual battle with Rugby Australia - and have now impacted on Netball New Zealand and its sponsors after his NZ netballer wife Maria reposted her husband's controversial appeal for donations to help in his legal fight - appears to be showing few signs of easing.
The issues of freedom of speech, religious freedom, racial, gender and sexual identity are hugely complex. They are not isolated and they are not new. But they are coming against a new social wave which is driving significant political change, including through legislation that protects and empowers marginalised groups. It is inevitable, as in generations past, the threat to traditional sentiments and structures is resulting in a reactionary pushback. Such is the pendulum of progress.
READ MORE:
• Aussie netball great backtracks on 'mesmerising' Maria Folau
• Israel Folau posts new message as Christian lobby calls on Australian Prime Minister
• Rugby: Israel Folau raises $1 million in 13 hours for legal fight
• One unresolved legal question at the heart of Israel Folau's case