Queensland MP Bob Katter has defended disgraced rugby star Israel Folau after he blamed bushfires on gay marriage in a bizarre sermon.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Katter warned that “persecution of Christianity is on the rise” after Folau was widely condemned for blaming bushfires on gay people and abortion.
“I may disagree with Folau on some elements of theology and fundamentalism, but the intense persecution that he has been suffering to me is just continuation of the religious persecution that is taking place against Christianity almost everywhere in Australia,” Katter wrote.
He went on to write that religious freedom in Australia is “under attack.”
Australian MP Bob Katter hit out at those who criticised Israel Folau.
“Whether you agree with his comment or you don’t, rest assured they will come after you,” he wrote.
Without even a hint of irony, the MP continued: “People do not tolerate criticism or even people being different and not towing the conventional wisdom of the day.
Someone that puts moral convictions over his personal income, I find inspirational whether I agree with what he is saying or whether I don’t.
“The great Thomas Jefferson said, ‘I do not agree often with what you are saying, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it”.
“Someone that puts moral convictions over his personal income, I find inspirational whether I agree with what he is saying or whether I don’t.”
Folau was sacked from Australia’s national rugby team in May after claiming on social media that “hell awaits” gay people. He also believes that the devil is to blame for transgender children.
Folau has repeatedly attracted controversy over his comments about LGBT+ people.
The former rugby star has found himself embroiled in fresh controversy after he delivered a sermon about the bushfires which are currently ravaging New South Wales and Queensland for a second week. A state of emergency has been declared with at least 1,600 bushfires still burning across the two states. Six people have been killed and hundreds of homes have been destroyed.
“I’ve been looking around at the events that’s been happening in Australia, this past couple of weeks, with all the natural disasters, the bushfires and the droughts,” Folau said in his sermon.
“God’s word says for a man and a woman to be together, one man and one woman in the covenant of marriage,” he said, adding: “Abortion, it’s OK now to murder, kill infants, unborn children.”
He continued: “Look how rapid these bushfires, these droughts, all these things have come in a short period of time. Do you think it’s a coincidence or not? God is speaking to you guys.
“Australia, you need to repent and take these laws and turn it back to what is right by God.”
He has been widely condemned over the comments. Prime Minister Scott Morrison even hit out at him for the “appallingly insensitive” remarks.