Matty McLean calls calls out ‘disgusting’ Israel Folau and his homophobic comments

Fans are supporting Breakfast presenter Matty McLean after he spoke out against Israel Folau’s “bigoted, hateful, homophobic speech”.

Rugby player Folau - a devout Christian – has sparked controversy for his repeated declarations that gay people are destined for hell "unless they repent of their sins and turn to God". 

McLean, a weather presenter, spent several minutes expressing his feelings during this morning’s Breakfast broadcast.

“I try not to let these things get to me because I try and be really easy going and carefree,” he told his co-hosts.

"It is really, really hard to watch people say those kind of things, especially if you live your life as a proud gay man. I wish we could get to a place where we can accept everyone for who they are and who they want to be."

“I am so sick of people saying it’s okay to have a freedom of speech. I call bull on that. You cannot continue to stand behind people with religious views and spout this bigoted, hateful, homophobic speech. It’s really disgusting to see. Especially because I know so many people of faith manage to hold firm their religious views and live lives full of love and compassion and not say these types of things.

“It is really harmful, the things he says. It is tough to stand up as a gay man or woman or LGBTQ, whatever you are. It’s tough to stand up and say, ‘I am proud of who I am and I am going to live my life the way I want to live my life’.”

Fans have spoken out in support of McLean and his brave words.

“Well done Matty. I am a Christian and believe that we should show love to all … I believe if you can't say something nice don’t say anything at all.”

Another said: “I'm an old fart and have two adult daughters but if I had a son I'd be so pleased and proud if he was as lovely and as brave a person as Matty.”

A third wrote: “You are a wonderful young man and you spoke so incredibly well, it was straight from the heart. You are amazing the emotion in your voice brought tears to my eyes.”

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