Folau called on to use prominent position responsibly

The Pasifika advisor for the New Zealand Human Rights Commission has condemned discriminatory comments from rugby star Israel Folau.

Two weeks ago Mr Folau posted on social media that God's plan for gay people is hell.

This week he wrote an article explaining his religious beliefs to provide context.

Human Rights Commission advisor Tuiloma Lina Samu said while many in the Pacific community were regular church goers, Mr Folau needed to be called out for his statements against gay people.

She said the rugby player was a notable figure in a position of influence whose right to free speech came with responsibility.

"In 2018, intolerance against people who identify as rainbow people, people who are gay, bisexual or transgender - even our fa'afafine, fafatama, our akava'ine fakaleiti communities - it is not acceptable.

"Intolerance and speech that could be very hurtful has to be challenged."

Tuiloma Lina Samu said a positive side effect of Folau's comments was it had stirred up public discussion.