Just as there are millions of Pakistani men who aren't involved in grooming gangs; do you see?

It was actually just an aside to a wider point, that organised religion - regardless of its favourite mythological being - has no moral authority on issues of sex and sexuality; so quite why nutjobs like Folau feel qualified to pass judgement on LGBT people, is beyond me.

I do see. I see you virtue signalling your distaste for racists based on a wholly false equivalence. How righteous you are.

Have you been practicing that response or did you cut it out and save it for a rainy day.

In more simple terms, I couldnt give a toss if someone is black, white, green, grey, wears a uniform, tracksuit or a dog collar. If they have sexually assaulted or groomed kids, they should be dealt with accordingly - hope that's ok with you and we seem to have drifted some distance from the thread so, lets get back to where we were, if that's ok with you ?

I would like to suggest you locked this thread PT. I think emotions have been raised and not really what most fans want to read on a rugby forum. I know some will say ignore the thread.
The new season starts in a few hours, let’s get ready for that, and start debating rugby again.
Thank you

I would have thought that expressing my extreme distaste for religion is the opposite of both virtuous and righteous? Self-righteous would be a reasonable allegation - I'd take that.

Anyhow - there's nothing here for you to jump on; I don't like bigots - and Israel Folau, with the assumed moral authority of a made up religious text to embolden his wacky worldview, is an extreme bigot.

I hope Cas bring out a Pride shirt for Magic Weekend now.

Gareth Thomas will love the irony of that suggestion.

OK, I thought the reference to the grooming gangs was inappropriate. And Wrencat's contribution a bit 'hometown', considering the above.

Let's move on.

Nice one Joseph.

..... and of course I'm far too polite to mention Bungle.

Doh!

oops.

The man's entitled to voicing his opinions like everyone else, but if we're to have free speech it's got to work both ways so take the consequences when people call you out on your ridiculous views.

Might half it, if straight people stay away, unless there are more rainbow warriors in Wakey.

Why would straight people not go? Surely I'm not the only straight person who supports pride?

Theres no reason why anybody should stay away. It's not about being a rainbow warrior. It's about respect for differences. There is still too much homophobia around and unwarranted homophobic attacks. Thank heavens it is getting better all the time but everything we can do eradicate it has my total support. Trinity supporter and gay.

Well said sir.

TBH totally sick of minority groups restricting the freedom of expression of the minority - As a christian fallow expressed his views I dont agree with them but as we've just seen with alistair stewart - express a view and use terminiology to some one white - no out roar or sacking -express that same view and terminology to someone black - personal offence, sacking even though it looks like he was unaware of the ethnicity of the recipient in both cases,

Time we had equality for all not just loud minorities

And so it goes on.........

You are Laurence Fox, and I claim my £5.

Sorry but, I think you're wrong.

For those unable or less able to speak out, surely, it is right for others to take on their cause or step in when required.
The LGBT community have been attacked regularly and just for their sexuality ?? how, in any world, can that be right and to allow, Sportsmen, who after all are in a privileged position already, to take aim at groups that they may not be comfortable with, is just wrong.

I agree that in some cases, political correctness has gone a little too far but the alternative is to allow certain groups to be vilified for absolutely no reason.

Interestingly, all of those on IF's "hell" list have a choice in their actions, apart form those who are homosexual which despite the thoughts of some, is not a lifestyle choice.

Nothing rainbow warrior about wanting to make a stand against bigotry. I doubt any LGBT has gone out of their way to persecute yourself or Falou for being straight.

Thankfully your views are withering away like Ken Davy.

So as was expressed over the alistair stewart forced stand down after 40 years of service you think there should be no forgiveness for racism ? Murder, burglary fraud yes but inadvertently quoting shakespeare no, ? As regards folau are we going to ban the koran, the bible all of which express aforementioned views ?

So why is the rights of one minority trump the views of another ?

For god sake, roll on to KO time

A bit off topic BLM, but if I see you tomorrow night at KR, would you pass on my £20. Predictions league, contribution to Wrencat. I’ve no idea what he looks like, and in this day of political correctness, Wrencat could be a woman, and I don’t want to be seen giving £20 to a strange woman.

Yes I’ll get it to him when I see him DS, by the way if you don’t recognise me I’ll be wearing a little off the shoulder number

Unfortunately I've been quite busy today so it has taken me some time to get to this thread. I thought about locking it earlier but everyone seemed to be handling it ok but it's taken a dip I'm afraid, much like the election and Brexit ones did.
So as it's now the start of the season, I'll be stronger on these. Political rants etc won't be allowed now. There are better places to voice those opinions. I think some need to find an outlet away from here.
I was going to clean it up but I reckon the start of the season is a good finishing point.

That said I feel the need to correct a few things before we close it.

IF opinions are based on his interpretations of what it means to be a Christian. That is not the same as Christianity preaching what he does personally.
As an example, it doesn't actually say that homosexuals will go to hell. It actually says they won't inherit the kingdom of God. The concept of Hell wasn't even mentioned. And when it was actually mentioned it was translated from the original Greek which refers to Tartarus derived from Greek mythology. I think most people have ditched the idea of Olympus and the gods now so that is a bit vague.
I'd also add that the same sections of the bible that discuss homosexuality, also say you won't "go to heaven" (to paraphrase) if you are self abusing. I'm assuming IF is picking and choosing the passages he likes there...........otherwise I reckon his hell is going to be really busy.

For me IF is speaking his own beliefs and that is it. Not christian beliefs. So no need to link them together or abuse other people who are Christian because of what he says.
The Pope has been recently quoted as saying "If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?" Wise words I say, and about time.
For me IF's views are wrong and preach hate. That should be challenged as much as possible.

I'd also add: for the comment about Straight people not coming to Belle Vue on Pride day by GiantScorpio. I think we are pretty safe. I was at Pride in Leeds this year. I was wearing a rainbow cowboy hat. I represented my company and walked and danced all the way around Leeds. It makes no difference that I don't find men the least bit attractive. The most significant thing that amazed me about the day was that every street was packed.....hundreds deep. In fact there were over 60,000 people there for the parade. I'm thinking they weren't all gay.
So I reckon we are ok with the likes of GiantScorpio not attending when so many people are supportive of an event that simply celebrates diversity and the freedom to be who you are.
If we do something on Catalan day, I hope we are bright with colour but leave it at that. We are there to watch rugby and IF should not spoil that just because he is a few thousand years behind most people in his beliefs.