Isreal Folau will fight his case for constructive dismissal against Rugby Australia
The player is taking a case to Australia's Fair Work Commission.
The former Wallabies full-back was dismissed for homophobic comments he made on social media. The case he will make to the Fair Work Commission is he was dismissed because of his religion.
Unlawful
Lawyers representing Folau filed applications against both the New South Wales Waratahs and Rugby Australia for breach of contract.
They said the termination of the player’s employment was unlawful on the basis of religion under Section 772 of the Fair Work Act. He is seeking “substantial remedies” from his former employers.
In a statement, Folau said: “No Australian of any faith should be fired for practising their religion.”
Representative
Folau says he has to stand up for his beliefs despite having his contract terminated after urging homosexuals to repent and said they were awaiting hell. He went on to suggest he was representing the beliefs of all Australians.
“I will forever be grateful and proud to have played the sport I love for our nation,” he said. “Ours is an amazing country built on important principles, including freedom of religion.
“A nation made up of so many different faiths and cultural backgrounds will never be truly rich unless this freedom applies to all of us.
“The messages of support we have received over these difficult few weeks have made me realise there are many Australians who feel their fundamental rights are being steadily eroded.”
Future
Folau was sacked last month after the hearing of an independent panel, therefore, ending his $4 million contract. He accepted the decision at the time but suggested he would consider his options.
The “substantial remedies” the former Waratah is seeking are reported to be in the region of $10 million.
Regardless of the outcome, Folau is unlikely to be seen on a rugby pitch in any code in the near future. Peter Beattie of the ARL Commission distanced the 13 man game from Folau too. He stated Rugby League is an “inclusive game with respect for all”.
