Last updated 21:58, April 18 2018
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TJ Perenara has taken to social media to voice his concerns over Israel Folau's anti-gay comments.
TJ Perenara has taken to social media to voice his concerns over Israel Folau's anti-gay comments.
All Black and Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara has joined his Chiefs rival Brad Weber in speaking out against the anti-gay comments made by Israel Folau.
Perenara took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to say he was 100 per cent against the comments made by the Waratahs and Wallabies star.
I’d like to add my voice to the conversation currently taking place. As professional rugby players, whether we like it or not, we are role models for a lot of young people. Notably, young Māori and Pasifika people.
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
You don’t need to look far to know that young Māori/PI are overrepresented in youth suicide statistics and, as I understand it, even more so when you look to those who are part of the Rainbow community. Comments that cause further harm cannot be tolerated.
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
Let it go on record that I am 100% against the comments that were made by Israel. It was not ok to say that. It’s not an attitude I want to see in the game I love. There is no justification for such harmful comments.
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
To anyone, young Māori/Pasifika people especially, who may be struggling with their identity - please know that it is ok to be you. You are perfect as you are. Do not let these comments keep you from being yourself. Polynesia has been sexually diverse since forever.
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
Folau, who is married to Silver Ferns netballer Maria Folau, has caused an international uproar over his comment on Instagram last month that God's plan for gay people was "Hell, unless they repent of their sins and turn to God".
Players were reluctant to comment on the issue until Weber, a one-test All Black, broke the silence on Tuesday night.
In the mean time, I have donated to the #NZFalcons campaign to support their involvement in the @BinghamCup2018 in June, the world championship of gay and inclusive men's and women's rugby. If you’d also like to support their campaign you can do so here: https://t.co/qQOK4yiVGH
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
Weber said, on Twitter, that he was disgusted at the comments made by Israel Folau about gay people.
Earlier on Wednesday, New Zealand's Rugby Players Association chief executive, Rob Nichol, told Stuff that his organisation was firmly behind Weber's stance on the subject.
"Let it go on record that I am 100% against the comments that were made by Israel. It was not ok to say that. It's not an attitude I want to see in the game I love. There is no justification for such harmful comments," Perenara's post said.
"As professional rugby players, whether we like it or not, we are role models for a lot of young people. Notably, young Māori and Pasifika people.
"You don't need to look far to know that young Māori/PI are overrepresented (sic) in youth suicide statistics and, as I understand it, even more so when you look to those who are part of the Rainbow community. Comments that cause further harm cannot be tolerated.
"To anyone, young Māori/Pasifika people especially, who may be struggling with their identity - please know that it is ok to be you. You are perfect as you are. Do not let these comments keep you from being yourself. Polynesia has been sexually diverse since forever," Perenara said.
He also added that he has donated to the NZ Falcons who are heading to Amsterdam to represent New Zealand in the international gay rugby cup called, Bingham Cup.
Perenara's comments have been met with a barrage of support.
Taika Waititi and Green party co-leader Marama Davidson were among the many who thanked Perenara for speaking out.
Shot TJ. And jaaaardup Israel. https://t.co/GZBARJhgch
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) April 18, 2018
Openly gay broadcaster and TV personality Mike Puru replied to Perenara's tweets with one word. "Legend".
On Tuesday night, Puru had also replied to Weber's social media post.
"So nice to hear a rugby players opinion - good on you Brad for sticking up for love ....and your family - it's a pretty big part of life," Puru's post said.