Seven brave Manly Sea Eagles rugby players are standing up for their religious and cultural beliefs by not wearing a pride rainbow rugby jersey on Thursday night.
Sadly, that means they won’t be able to play at all.
Today, Prime Minster Anthony Albanese said, “It's important in Australian society that we respect everyone for who they are.”
That’s right. Everyone.
The inclusive society is one that respects people’s conscience and convictions. It is not inclusive to force someone to wear a political symbol. In fact, it’s totally exclusive.
We would respect people’s conscience if it were a cross, a star of David, a black fist, a feminist icon, or a political party logo.
In fact, Haneen Zreika declined to wear a pride jersey last January due to her Muslim convictions, and that was accommodated, as it should have been.
‘Live and let live’ is the secret to harmonious inclusion.
The Manly Sea Eagles are a diverse team, and they enjoyed that ethic until political symbolism muddied the waters. The solution now is to respect everyone’s convictions and move forward.
The Many Sea Eagles coach has said he is concerned for the welfare of the seven players taking this stand - Josh Aloiai, Toafofoa Sipley, Tolutau Koula, Christian Tuipulotu, Haumole Olakau'atu, Jason Saab and Josh Schuster.
Please pray that God would protect them and give them courage.
And please email the Manly Sea Eagles Club now to express your support for these players.
Thank you for taking immediate action.