Sports and politics aren’t quite as separate as some would like to believe, so it stands to reason that someone like rugby union star Israel Folau would choose to voice their opinion on the marriage equality postal survey. Last night, he did. And he told his Twitter followers that despite having “love and respect for all people”, he won’t be voting ‘Yes’.
The response was rapid and vehement, with many users asking how Folau could square his belief that he was acting with love while also denying queer Australians the same rights enjoyed by their straight counterparts.
In the midst of all that, another rugby union star voiced their stance: David Pocock let the world know he’ll definitely be voting ‘Yes’.
When my survey arrives I’ll #VoteYes for justice and love. #MarriageEquality
— David Pocock (@DavidPocock) September 13, 2017
Seemingly in response to Folau’s tweet (Folau is an avowed Christian), Pocock also posted a quote from Reverend Desmond Tutu condemning homophobia.
In the words of one of my heroes, “my humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” #VoteYes #MarriageEquality pic.twitter.com/VPwuglbhl2
— David Pocock (@DavidPocock) September 13, 2017
This isn’t the first public stance Pocock has made against discrimination based on one’s sexuality, not by a long shot. He made headlines for calling out an opposition player for using slurs on the pitch, and has vowed not to marry partner Emma Palandri until queer Aussies are afforded the same rights.
The statements from both Folau and Pocock come after Wallabies coach Michael Cheika and skipper Michael Hooper met with pollies in Canberra to discuss their support for marriage equality.
Over in the AFL, Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli used his speech at this week’s AFL Players Association MVP Awards to advocate for the ‘Yes’ cause; other players, including Ben Brown, Easton Wood and Jordan Roughead also wore badges in support of equality.
In the lead-up to the vote, don’t be surprised to see more massive stars use their position to advocate for change.
