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Go fund yourself: Folau’s campaign page shut down

Israel Folau’s online campaign to raise money for his legal fight against Rugby Australia has been shut down.

GoFundMe Australia has taken down Folau’s page, which had raised more than $750,000 of a $3 million target, and will issue refunds to all of the more than 7000 donors.

“After a routine period of evaluation, we have concluded that this campaign violates our terms of service,” the company’s regional manager in Australia Nicola Britton said.

The company said it does not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion.

“We are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity,” Ms Britton said.

Folau’s $4 million contract was terminated by Rugby Australia last month after he made a homophobic post on his Instagram page.

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle condemned Folau’s public appeal for money on Saturday.

“From our perspective, [GoFundMe] is a place where sick children get support, so it’s certainly not a strategy we think is appropriate,” Castle said.

Folau said he was asking for support as Rugby Australia would be able to devote “significant resources” to fight him in court.

He posted a statement on the now-defunct GoFundMe page and social media fending off negative commentary.

“I decided to take legal action when Rugby Australia terminated my employment contract and ended my playing career after I expressed my religious beliefs on social media,” Folau said.

“I have received thousands of messages from supporters who believe discrimination in the workplace is wrong and has no place in Australia or anywhere else.”

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