St George Illawarra Dragons have submitted a formal application to the NRL to sign Israel Folau.

Andrew Purchas OAM, the co-founder of the Pride In Sport Index, said: “Views previously expressed by Mr Folau about LGBTQ people do not reflect the standards and expectations that exist today in Australia.

His past statements about LGBTQ communities work in direct opposition to the significant progress on acceptance and inclusion that is being made by sporting codes, clubs and organisations across the country.

If the St George Illawarra Dragons go down this path, there is an expectation that there will be a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ people.

Further, if Mr Folau’s appointment as a player eventuates, he must abide by NRL’s policies on diversity and inclusion, and we encourage the Dragons to have in place strategies that will ensure best practice deliverables around LGBTQ inclusion policy, education, visibility, and cultural safety.

NRL is a code that prides itself on being a sport for everyone with strong values of diversity and inclusion.

History has shown Mr Folau’s repeated failures to abide by sporting inclusion policies despite assurances.

When it happens, sports clubs must take a stand against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia and send a clear message to all Australians that discriminatory words and deeds will not be tolerated.”

Beau Newell, National Program Manager of Pride in Sport, said:

“We know that the words and actions of high-profile sportspersons have an enormous impact on our culture and far-reaching consequences. Their statements have a profound influence on the community – especially young people.

Derogatory and discriminatory remarks about LGBTQ people create division, take away people’s dignity and can contribute to people feeling marginalised, excluded, and inferior.”

Australians know the importance of having a safe and inclusive sporting culture, no matter the code, and expect a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination. It is the right of every player, coach, volunteer, fan or spectator to be feel accepted, on and off the sporting field.

Pride in Sport works with many of Australia’s most prominent sporting organisations, assisting them in their provision of safe and inclusive environments for all people.

We look forward to the opportunity to work with the Dragons, and any other sports, on all aspects of LGBTQ inclusion in sport.”