Shelton Condemns NRL's Double Standards

Family First National Director Lyle Shelton has urged the Australian Rugby League Commission and the NRL to allow Israel Folau to play for the Wests Tigers, following reports of the ARL Commission's intervention to prevent his return.

Reports indicate that Folau and his wife Maria are considering legal action after the ARL Commission allegedly blocked a move back to the NRL. The involvement of ARL Commissioner Wayne Pearce in opposing Folau's return has also been questioned.

"Israel Folau has not committed a crime," said Shelton. "His 'offence' was posting a Bible verse expressing orthodox Christian teaching about repentance and salvation."

Discrimination Allegations

Shelton claims the NRL's treatment of Folau highlights a double standard, suggesting the league allows players with serious off-field misconduct to return, while sidelining Folau for expressing Christian beliefs.

"The message from the game's administrators appears to be that you can make serious mistakes but expressing traditional Christian beliefs makes you untouchable," Shelton stated, calling the approach fundamentally unjust.

Shelton argues that the situation extends beyond rugby. If Folau can be excluded for his beliefs, it poses a risk to all Bible-believing Christians in Australia.

"If they can do this to Izzy, they can do it to any of us," Shelton warned. He advocates for freedom of religion and expression as core Australian values.

Shelton has called for the ARL Commission to end what he describes as discrimination and double standards, urging them to let Israel Folau play.

According to Shelton, the implications of Folau's case extend well beyond sport. Every Christian school teacher, business owner, public servant, and employee should pay attention to the treatment of Folau.

"Family First is standing up for Israel Folau because if his rights can be restrained for quoting Scripture, the rights of every Australian who holds traditional Christian beliefs are at risk," Shelton added.