Interesting, intelligent article by Webster but the "ugly divisive debate" Folau supposedly set alight has been going on since the online debate started leading up to the SSM vote.
It was not uncommon for supporters of the NO vote to be vilified and labelled homophobes and bigots.
Christians in particular copped it for believing that marriage should be between a man and a woman as per their beliefs.
Margaret Court copped it both barrels.
It didnt mean anybody hated people in the LGBT community or didnt support same sex couples having equal rights under the law, but didnt agree with marriage being redefined.
Other NO voters knew our society would be changed significantly as has happened. The introduction of the safe schools programs and unisex toilets are examples that has caused divisive debate.
There was only one side of the debate that was socially acceptable: the one RA supported.
There "inclusive" policy is suspect.
It's interesting that Cheika and some players were allowed to air their views about the incident even though it was headed to a hearing. That's as RA employees but what if any other employees publically supported Folau's right to air his beliefs on social media?
Kerevi felt "obliged" to apologize for his Christian views. Did he get a tap on the shoulder?
It's obvious many people within our society empathize with the struggles of young gay people and dont want to see them vilified and tormented, and I'm one of them.
However, I also believe the balance of power and reason has been tipped too far. The tolerant society became intolerant of anyone with differing opinions.
Being labelled a homophobe and bigot for no good reason except that one has a differing opinion has certainly been divisive, and ugly at times.
There's two sides to this debate regarding people being vilified.
And as far as Folau and his religious beliefs are concerned, there's no nice way he could state "homosexuality is a sin" and not cause an uproar.
Anyone who thinks the major sponsor and its CEO isnt heavily involved in this is naive.