Mark Latham has defended rugby star Israel Folau over his latest social media comments saying homosexuals are going to hell.
Folau, 30, shared a 'warning' to 'drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters' to Instagram on Wednesday, saying 'hell awaits' them.
The homophobic post generated a huge backlash, and prompted a Rugby Australia investigation, leaving Folau's job in the balance.
But the New South Wales One Nation leader said Folau is entitled to express 'legitimate religious beliefs' and accused the media of 'hounding' Folau.
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Israel Folau (right, with wife Maria left) shared a 'warning' to 'drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters' to Instagram on Wednesday, saying 'hell awaits' them
Mr Latham went on to criticise the 'leftist, PC media' who he believes 'hounded' the devout Christian after he shared the sentiments online
One Nation's Mark Latham has defended rugby star Israel Folau over his latest comments declaring homosexuals are going to hell
'I stand with Israel Folau in defending his right to free speech, expressing views consistent with his legitimate religious beliefs.
That a footy player can be hounded by the Leftist-PC media this way is a disgrace.
He plays rugby, he's not a politician, and his views have nothing to do with his livelihood. Yet now, because of the outrage industry, is career is threatened.
This is a reason why I will be introducing a Religious Freedom Bill into NSW Parliament. The reign of terror against Christians must end.'
Mr Latham followed his defence of Folau by declaring he would introduce a Religious Freedom Bill, and said 'this reign of terror against Christians must end.'
Mr Latham said he supported Folau's free speech rights, and criticised the media for 'hounding' the devout Christian for sharing his sentiments online.
'He plays rugby, he's not a politician, and his views have nothing to do with his livelihood. Yet now, because of the outrage industry, is career is threatened,' Mr Latham said.
Late on Wednesday, a Rugby Australia spokesman said Folau's post was 'unacceptable' and added that the organisation's integrity unit was 'engaged on the matter'.
He was previously warned by Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle to avoid controversial comments of this nature after he shared similarly controversial posts.
'Rugby Australia is aware of a post made by Israel on his Instagram
