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'It takes a lot of balls to frame your hate as love' - Kiwis, Aussies unload on Israel Folau after latest 'with great love' anti-gay video tweet

May 9, 2018
A dejected Isreal Folau of the Waratahs looks on, during the Super Rugby Match between the Highlanders and the Waratahs, at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand, 14 March 2015. Credit: Joe Allison / www.photosport.co.nz

Another wave of backlash is heading for Israel Folau after he his latest controversial social media post about religion.

In a post on Twitter yesterday, Folau shared an 11 minute sermon from American evangelist David Wilkerson, including calls for repentance over same-sex marriage.

The tweet has since sparked debate in the online community, with gay athletes, commentators and even former Kiwi politicans.

Former Kiwi Olympian Eric Murray couldn't even find words for a reply to the the tweet, instead posting a simple facepalm emoji to express how he felt.

Others weren't so shy though.

FOX Sports reporter Mark Gottlieb called out Folau for saying he shared the video "with great love".

Former United Future leader Damian Light also weighed in on the situation.

Simon Dunn, a gay former Australian bobsled athlete who plays club rugby for the Sydney Convicts,  challenged Rugby Australia to do something.

The challenge comes after Folau met with CEO Raelene Castles last month to discuss his use of social media after he had previously commented on Instagram that gay people were destined for "HELL".

Castles said after the meeting that Rugby Australia would not discipline him in any regard.

"In his article, Israel clearly articulated his religious beliefs and why his faith is important to him and has provided context behind his social media comment," Castle said in a media release at the time.

"In his own words, Israel said that he did not intend to upset people intentionally or bring hurt to the game. We accept Israel's position."

Rugby Australia has not commented on the latest social media post.

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