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Lisa Wilkinson's brutal question for Christian leader supporting Folau

The head of the Australian Christian Lobby has been put on the spot by The Project’s Lisa Wilkinson over his view on Israel Folau’s remark that gay people are going to hell.

Appearing on the Channel 10 show on Sunday night, Martyn Iles avoided directly answering the question which asked if he agreed with the sacked Wallabies star who was stripped of his $4million Rugby Australia contract in May for saying “hell awaits” homosexuals on Instagram.

“Martyn, just quickly before we let you go — speaking of feeling marginalised, do you believe that homosexuals go to hell?” Wilkinson asked.

The Project's Lisa Wilkinson put the Christian leader on the spot over Israel Folau's comments.
Lisa Wilkinson put the Christian leader on the spot over Israel Folau's comments. Source: The Project

Mr Iles, who declared his support for Folau’s GoFundMe push, which has raised nearly $750,000, responded telling the panel hell isn’t simply reserved for homosexuals.

“The mainstream Christian belief on this is that all of us are born going to hell,” he said.

“We’re all sinners and I don’t think it’s helpful to say that Israel Folau’s post targeted homosexuals — it didn’t.”

He continued his lengthy response in defence of Folau’s comments saying we will all be judged on our sexual behaviours, including heterosexuals.

Christian leader Martyn Iles avoided directly answering Wilkinson's question.
Martyn Iles avoided directly answering Wilkinson's question. Source: The Project

‘We’re all sinners’

“I was on the list. I think each of us were on the list. We’re all sinners. We will be judged by God and we will be found wanting. I think that’s something that some Australians find offensive.

“But it is actually a Christian belief which runs to the very heart, soul and core of Christianity. And yeah, we’ll be judged on our sexual behaviours. Me, as a straight man, will be judged on my sexual behaviours and found wanting.”

He said it was unfair for Folau’s name to be “dragged through the mud” as well as him losing his job when his religious beliefs were targeted by the “politically correct baseball bat”.

Clearly not satisfied with his response, co-host Hamish McDonald, who announced he was gay earlier this month, pressed Mr Iles for a definitive answer.

Israel Folau pictured playing for the Wallabies in 2018.
Folau has faced criticism for setting up a GoFundMe to fund his legal battle over his sacking. Source: AAP

“I’m not clear what you think. Do you think homosexuals go to hell or not?” he asked.

Resisting to answer once more, Mr Iles said, “I don’t think it’s that simple”.

“I think we decline the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and will be judged.”

‘All Folau’s GoFundMe money is for legal battle’

Folau’s GoFundMe page has a target of $3 million which he says will be used for legal fees incurred during his battle against the decision to cancel his Wallabies contract.

Mr Iles reiterated on the show that all funds raised would solely be used on his legal battle.

He also suggested that the large support for the fundraiser highlighted the concern from people who feel their beliefs are under attack.

“He’s tapped into something, which is that there’s a lot of people out there who feel the pinch of political correctness, they feel the challenge to their beliefs, and they want to be able to be a part of the movement and put some tangible support in,” he said.

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