Clive Palmer supports Israel Folau by threatening legal action against Queensland Rugby League if Folau is not registered to play.
Queensland businessman turned politician turned living meme, Clive Palmer, has appeared alongside homophobic, ex-rugby league player, Israel Folau, in a joint press conference.
During the event, Folau revealed that he will be making his official return to playing Australian rugby league by signing with the Southport Tigers.
This move comes after speculation that other sporting clubs were looking into recruiting Folau.
It also comes with the backing of Palmer, who said that legal action would be taken if Folau’s requests weren’t fulfilled by Wednesday.
“If he is not registered by Wednesday, I believe he will issue an injunction in the Federal Court of Australia against the QRL for their discrimination against him on religious grounds,” Palmer said.
Folau, in turn, expressed his gratitude for Palmer’s support.
“I just want to give thanks to my lord and saviour Jesus Christ for this opportunity,” Folau said during the press conference.
“I am excited to be here and link up with Clive. The opportunity he’s given me and my family is something I’m really grateful for.”
I just glanced at the tv and saw Israel Folau and Clive Palmer sitting together and that’s enough tv for today. pic.twitter.com/81F39neM0g
— Courtney (@thatwitchx) May 21, 2021
“Israel Folau is a perfect role model for the game and the QRL needs to recognise that,” Palmer said in a press statement.
“Israel doesn’t drink, smoke or take drugs. He has never been charged with a criminal offence. He loves his wife and his son. He has a rugby playing record second to none.”
Though Palmer has admitted that he doesn’t know what Folau’s religious views are, he does believe that “religious freedom is a fundamental right in this country”.
“For me, it’s nothing extraordinary that someone makes a quote from the bible … It shouldn’t affect someone’s livelihood and how he can support his children,” Palmer explained.
Israel Folau does “deal with the Devil” teaming up with Clive Palmer to muscle his way back into a sport that doesn’t want him. He’s hurt enough people. #SayNoToFolau
— PRGuy (@PRGuy17) May 21, 2021
Palmer also used the press conference as an opportunity to criticise the sport for becoming: “a money machine set up for sponsors”.
At the same time, Folau continues to stand by the posts that denounced “homosexuals” and others as “sinners” destined for Hell.
When asked about it, Folau responded to the reporter by stating:
“I tell you what I do stand for, as a Christian I stand by the bible and what the bible says – every written word in that book I stand by that. I believe what the bible says. I didn’t write the bible that is God’s written word and I believe that wholeheartedly.”
The move to play for the Southport Tigers comes after Folau’s stint playing for the Catalans Dragons in the UK.
Folau’s decision to return to Australia was met with negative responses by the UK club, who were shocked at the news.
Not only were they not made aware of Folau’s decision, but the former Broncos player is actually still contractually bound to the Southport Tigers.
The president of the Catalans Dragons, Bernard Guasch, had this to say in response to the recent developments: “It does not matter whether it is for a professional or amateur club, the license of Folau belongs to us … Nobody came in contact with us to start discussions.”
