Israel Folau knew his Instagram post targeting homosexuals and drunks would be offensive to many people, the sacked rugby union star has told hundreds of conservative Christians.
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The 30-year-old devout Christian, now suing Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs for $10 million in damages, addressed the national conference of Australian Christian Lobby about the post that led to his sacking in May.
"I knew it was going to be offensive to a lot of people," he said on Saturday, multiple media outlets reported.
He also reportedly said he "absolutely" would make the post again
The post - saying drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators would go to hell unless they repented - remains on his Instagram profile.
NSW Liberal MP and anti-abortion campaigner Tanya Davies, ACL managing director Martyn Iles and political historian Stephen Chavura also addressed the conference, promoted under the slogan Not Ashamed.
Folau has been closely linked to the ACL since his sacking, with the lobby hosting his appeal for help to pay legal fees in his battle with Rugby Australia.
The ACL says $2 million was raised within 48 hours.
Folau and his wife Maria appeared in a promotional video for the ACL conference.
Australian Associated Press
