Some are saying that the controversy engulfing Israel Folau is the first defining test for freedom of religion following the legalisation of same sex marriage.

The rugby union player has been embroiled in a war of words with Rugby Australia, after his social media comments around homosexuals and the need for them to repent if they are to avoid hell.

Angela Shanahan is critical of the backlash Folau has been subjected to, as Rugby Australia continues to  voice its opposition to Folau’s views.

“So if your attitude is not aligned with the ethics commissars of modern rugby or modern banking or modern whatever, you are not wanted. So much for inclusion,” says Shanahan in her article in The Australian.  

“This is the thought police. It isn’t just what you say. It is what you think.”

“If Folau wants to say what he thinks then I think he’s got the right to say it. What worries me is that you shouldn’t have these thoughts or opinions at all.”

Shanahan says the saga exposes the broader problem of when it is permissible for people to speak on their religious views publicly, with the push for secularism and pluralism often perpetuating a silencing effect.  

Some are saying that the controversy engulfing Israel Folau is the first defining test for freedom of religion following the legalisation of same sex marriage.
The rugby union player has been embroiled in a war of words with Rugby Australia, after his social media comments around homosexuals and the need for them to repent if they are to avoid hell.
Angela Shanahan is critical of the backlash Folau has been subjected to, as Rugby Australia continues to&nbsp;&nbsp;voice its opposition to Folau&rsquo;s views.
&ldquo;So if your attitude is not aligned with the ethics commissars of modern rugby or modern banking or modern whatever, you are not wanted. So much for inclusion,&rdquo; says Shanahan in her article in The Australian.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&ldquo;This is the thought police. It isn&rsquo;t just what you say. It is what you think.&rdquo;
&ldquo;If Folau wants to say what he thinks then I think he&rsquo;s got the right to say it. What worries me is that you shouldn&rsquo;t have these thoughts or opinions at all.&rdquo;
Shanahan says the saga exposes the broader problem of when it is permissible for people to speak on their religious views publicly, with the push for secularism and pluralism often perpetuating a silencing effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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