Qantas ‘disappointed’ with rugby star who said gays go to hell, but won’t end sponsorship deal

Qantas has condemned the rugby star who said that gay people will go to hell.

Israel Folau, who plays for Australia, replied to a commenter on one of his Instagram posts who asked: “what was gods plan for gay people??”

He replied: “HELL.. Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God.”

(Instagram/izzyfolau)

Folau’s comment is still live.

Qantas, which sponsors the Australian national team, released a statement saying: “We’ve made very clear to Rugby Australia that we find the comments very disappointing,” according to news.com.au.

However, the multi-billion-pound company indicated that its sponsorship deal with the team – which has been called the Qantas Wallabies since 2004 – was not under threat.

This was at least partly due to the fact that Rugby Australia has spoken out against Folau’s comment, reportedly.

(Getty)

“Folau’s personal beliefs do not reflect the views of Rugby Australia,” the organisation said in a statement.

“Rugby supports all forms of inclusion, whether its sexuality, race, or gender, which is set out in our Inclusion Policy.

“We understand that Israel’s comment has upset a number of people and we will discuss the matter with him as soon as possible.”

(Getty)

Qantas responded to this with the message: “As a sponsor of Rugby Australia, we’re supportive of their approach towards tolerance and inclusion, which aligns with our own.”

Folau sparked controversy last year when he came out against marriage equality and said he would vote ‘No’ in the country’s postal vote.