(UTV|COLOMBO) – A controversial fundraising page set up by sacked Australian rugby player Israel Folau has been shut down for promoting the exclusion of LGBT people, website GoFundMe says.
Folau had his contract with Rugby Australia (RA) terminated in May after he said that “hell awaits” gay people.
He asked for public donations to help him with a legal fight against RA, arguing it dismissed him unlawfully.
GoFundMe said the page violated its rules. All donations will be refunded.
“As a company, we are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity,” said spokeswoman Nicola Britton.
“While we welcome GoFundMe’s engaging in diverse civil debate, we do not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion.”
Folau is a Christian who argues his contract termination was an act of religious discrimination.
He had received about A$760,000 (£414,000; $530,000) in donations since the page was set up last week, Australian media reported.
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