Treasurer Scott Morrison has backed Wallabies star Israel Folau's "strong character" in standing up for his religious belief that gay people will go to hell unless they repent their sins.
Rugby Australia has opted not to sanction Folau after he made the comment on social media, despite sponsors raising concerns over his anti-homosexual views.
Morrison, a practising Christian, moved amendments to protect religious freedom which were voted down during last year's parliamentary debate on same-sex marriage legislation.
He said not everyone had to agree about religion, but described Folau as a "good man".
"It clearly means a lot to Izzy and good for him for standing up for his faith," Mr Morrison told News Corp's Miranda Devine Live on Wednesday.
"He wouldn't have wanted to intend to have offended or hurt anyone because that's very much against the faith that he feels so passionately about.
"But I think he's shown a lot of strength of character in just standing up for what he believes in and I think that's what this country is all about."
Off contract at year's end, Folau on Monday declared he was prepared to walk away from rugby if RA felt his views were hurting the sport.
Mr Morrison - a diehard fan of NRL club Cronulla - cheekily said the code-hopping superstar was welcome at his beloved Sharks.
