It's now two weeks since Wallabies star Israel Folau commented on Instagram that gay people would go to "hell" unless they repent their "sins" - but the controversy has not died down.
High-profile Australians are still coming forward, both supporting and condemning the Evangelical Christian.
While some have branded his comments as homophobic, others say he is free to express his religious views.
Treasurer Scott Morrison backed Folau on Wednesday, saying the embattled footballer had shown strength of character.
"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.
Good for him for standing up for his faith -Treasurer Scott Morrison
"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."
Wallabies vice-captain Allan Alaalatoa also said on Wednesday that Folau's dedication to his religion was commendable.
"I was lucky enough to have a few times with him in the Wallaby camp to see what's he about and mainly to see his beliefs as a Christian man," Alaalatoa said.
But many have slammed Folau's comments.
One-test All Blacks halfback Brad Weber condemned Folau on Twitter.
"My cousin and her partner, and my aunty and her partner are some of the most kind, caring and loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing," Weber tweeted on Wednesday.
"To think that I play against someone that says they'll go to Hell for being gay disgusts me."
While the All Blacks has tweeted that New Zealand Rugby is committed to diversity and inclusion.
Rugby's highest-profile referee Nigel Owens urged the former NRL star and AFL player to judge him on his character rather than his sexuality.
The Welshman, who has been in charge of more than 150 internationals, came out publicly in 2007 after attempting suicide at age 24, having struggled to come to terms with his sexuality.
The now 46-year-old stressed that Folau is entitled to his beliefs but said his comments would have been deeply hurtful during his own difficult time.
Folau's comments were described as "very disappointing" by Qantas airlines, a major sponsor of Rugby Australia.
A group of LGBTIQ+ advocates from the Pacific Islander community penned an open letter calling for Folau to be more respectful.
"We, as Australian and Pasefika LGBTI citizens don’t need your condemnation because deep down, we KNOW Jesus is on my side. Deep down, we KNOW Jesus came for us, and not for some sanctimonious overpaid homophobic sports/muscle gladiator," they wrote.
And the world champions of gay rugby Melbourne Chargers has sent an open invitation for Folau to attend one of their training sessions in the hope he could understand why his comments were so hurtful.
On Monday night, Folau used a column on the website Players' Voice to re-state his strong religious beliefs and offered to walk away from his Rugby Australia contract over the debacle.
Rugby Australia has since decided not to sanction Folau.
Folau is not the first Australian sportsperson to express controversial religious views.
Boxer Anthony Mundine declared homosexuality was wrong after leaving a Network Ten reality TV show earlier this year.
Tennis champion Margaret Court last year accused "gay lobbyists" of making children gay, and slammed Qantas for supporting the bid for same-sex marriage.
Australian commentator Peter van Onselen wrote that Folau is "fast becoming the Margaret Court of the modern era: entitled to his extreme religious views but sadly happy to express them in a way that hurts the minorities he talks about."
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