This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
On December 4, 2019, Rugby Australia and Israel Folau reached a confidential settlement that ended his multi-million dollar lawsuit over his sacking for anti-gay comments.
As part of the agreement, Rugby Australia apologized for 'any hurt or harm' caused to Folau and his family.
Folau, a devout Christian, was fired in May for a social media post warning 'hell awaits' gay people and others he considers sinners.
"Rugby Australia and Mr. Folau wish each other well for the future. The parties do not intend to comment further on the terms of their settlement as it is confidential," the joint statement said.
The 30-year-old former Wallabies full-back was set to demand Sh973 million (US$9.5 million) in compensation, claiming he was unlawfully dismissed under legislation that bans sacking a person because of their religion.
However, the joint statement acknowledged that Folau was expressing genuinely held religious beliefs and had not meant to offend anyone with his post.
"Mr. Folau wants all Australians to know that he does not condone discrimination of any kind against any person on the grounds of their sexuality and that he shares Rugby Australia's commitment to inclusiveness and diversity," it said.
