New Israel Folau appeal 'paused' after topping $2m in three days

The Australian Christian Lobby has decided to pause its fundraising campaign for Israel Folau's unfair dismissal case after collecting more than $2.2 million.

Israel Folau

GoFundMe shuts down Folau's campaign page Source: EFE

A campaign to raise funds to support ex-Wallaby Israel Folau's legal stoush with Rugby Australia has been "paused" after donations topped $2 million.

The Australian Christian Lobby, which set up the fundraiser on its website, said the flow of donations since it was opened on Tuesday had been overwhelming.

More than 20,000 people had donated more than $2.2 million by Thursday morning. 

0fe738f1-4874-4342-907d-cb995b74ac1e
GoFundMe shuts down Folau's campaign page
SBS

 

"Your overwhelming support means that Israel Folau has raised enough money for now," the ACL said in a statement on its website.

"ACL, Izzy and everyone involved is humbled and grateful. We are hitting the pause button. But if the case drags on and Israel needs more support, we will reopen this campaign."

 

READ MORE
1x1




The ACL said the fundraiser not only showed there was support for Folau but a "great movement of quiet Australians have found their voice".

"This cannot be ignored."

 

READ MORE
1x1




 

Folau had paraphrased a Bible passage saying "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters" would go to hell unless they repented.

The ACL effort replaced an earlier campaign on GoFundMe that was taken down by the platform for breaching its service guidelines.

2c06d3e5-93c9-495e-a56a-536abcd8e733
GoFundMe has pulled Israel Folau's online fundraising campaign for violating its terms of service.
SBS

 

Folau on Wednesday said he was humbled by the strength of the public support for his cause.

"To those who have criticised me, I bear no ill will towards you. You have every right to express your own beliefs and opinions," he posted on Instagram.

"I am humbled by the support I have received from so many of you since Rugby Australia terminated my employment contract after I shared a religious message on social media," he wrote.

"To those who have criticised me, I bear no ill will towards you. You have every right to express your own beliefs and opinions.


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Presented by Yang J. Joo
Source: SBS News, AAP

Share this with family and friends


Follow SBS Korean

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Korean-speaking Australians.
Ease into the English language and Australian culture. We make learning English convenient, fun and practical.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Korean News

Korean News

Watch it onDemand
New Israel Folau appeal 'paused' after topping $2m in three days | SBS Korean