New Zealand rower Robbie Manson said Israel Folau’s homophobic comments have helped the LGBT community
The openly gay athlete hasn't been afraid to slam the Australian rugby star
By Steve Brown
Top New Zealand rower Robbie Manson has said Israel Folau’s homophobic comments have done the LGBT community a favour.
Folau – who is Australia’s highest paid rugby player – caused controversary when he wrote on Instagram that all gay people will go to Hell unless the repent their sins to God.
Since then the devout Christian has shared an anti-gay video on Twitter and publicly said he stands by his beliefs with his coach Michael Cheika telling children to not idolise someone who has different views.
But now Manson – who came out six years ago – said Folau’s comments have helped the LGBT community following the number of athletes who have slammed the rugby star.
Speaking to newshubs.co.nz, Manson said: “In a way, [Folau] has almost done the LGBT community a favour.
“To have straight allies out there sharing that message is starting to show that it’s not really an issue, because now there’s so much support that’s really visible and obvious.”
Manson has set up a new charity Waterboy which helps children facing tough times get the opportunity to play sport and said homophobia is one of the barriers he hopes to break down.
“One of the key barriers that the Waterboy is targeting to break down is homophobia in sports,” he added.
“That’s something quite close to me, being an openly gay athlete, and at one point in time, I perceived that to be a barrier myself.”