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ESPN staff
Israel Folau’s crowdfunding page has been shut down by website operator GoFundMe.
Folau’s page had attracted in excess of $[Aus]650,000 since it was launched late on Thursday night [AEST]
But it had also attracted huge backlash on social media, with people adamant Folau’s page was in breach of GoFundMe’s guidelines which promote inclusivity.
And that was proved correct on Monday morning when links to Folau’s page directed to “campaign not found,” with GoFundMe Regional Australia Director Nicola Britton issuing a statement a short time later.
“Today we will be closing Israel Folau’s campaign and issuing full refunds to all donors. After a routine period of evaluation, we have concluded that this campaign violates our terms of service,” Britton said.
“As a company, we are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity.
“While we welcome GoFundMe engaging in diverse civil debate, we do not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion.
“In the days since Mr Folau’s campaign launched, more than one million dollars have been donated to hundreds of other campaigns, large and small, across Australia. Those acts of kindness are the heart of GoFundMe.
“Our platform exists to help people help others. Australians have shown themselves to be among the most kind and generous people in the world. We look forward to helping more Australians fundraiser for causes they care about in the coming months and years.”
Folau had set up the page to help cover the “legal costs” associated with his case against Rugby Australia and the governing body’s decision to terminate his contract.
The former Wallabies fullback was deemed to have made a high-level breach of the Code of Conduct for comments that condemned homosexuals, fornicators and drunks, among others, to hell, a ruling Folau is challenging through the Fair Work Commission of Australia.
But Folau’s page also included a disclaimer that said any funds donated did not have to be used for legal costs and that he was not expected to perform any service in return.
Rugby Australia and Folau had been ordered into mediation by the Fair Work Commission before the code-hopper launched his crowdfunding page last week.