'What's been achieved?': Waleed Aly questions GoFundMe decision on Folau's page
Waleed Aly has questioned GoFundMe’s decision to remove controversial rugby star Israel Folau’s fundraising page.
Folau’s page, in which he asked donors for $3 million to pay for legal fees, was created after he was sacked by Rugby Australia for breaching his contract.
The former Wallaby had his contract terminated over an Instagram post declaring homosexuals go to hell. His GoFundMe page raised more than $750,000 before it was taken down.
But Aly has asked “what exactly has been achieved” by removing Folau’s plea for money.
“He’ll still raise the funds, he’ll raise probably more… I feel like everyone is trying to win every little skirmish in the battle rather than letting it play out,” The Project host said on Monday night’s show.
“I’m just not sure what either side thinks they’ve achieved.”
Australian Christian Lobby managing director Martyn Iles said the lobby group has started its own online campaign to raise funds.
As of Tuesday morning, it’s raised more than $240,000.
Folau’s GoFundMe was deemed to be in violation of GoFundMe’s terms of service.
The company's regional manager in Australia Nicola Britton said GoFundMe is “absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity”.
“While we welcome GoFundMe’s engaging in diverse civil debate, we do not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion,” she said.
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A spokesman for Folau denied his campaign was not compatible with GoFundMe's terms of service.
"Unfortunately, GoFundMe has buckled to demands against the freedom of Australians to donate to his cause," the spokesman said.
"There appears to be a continuing campaign of discrimination against Israel and his supporters."
Folau has launched legal proceedings with the Fair Work Commission against RA and is seeking up to $10 million in damages.
More than 95,000 people had signed an online petition calling on GoFundMe to take down Folau's page.
With AAP
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