Too far.

Referee Nigel Owens has responded to Israel Folua’s horrible homophobic comments, branding them as a step too far.

Folau came under fire this week, after commenting below a social media post, stating “god’s plan for gay people” is “hell” unless they can repent “their sins.”

Owens say comments like that can drive people who are struggling with their sexuality to do terrible things.

Writing in his weekly WalesOnline column, Owens says it’s not a choice being gay, you are born that way. And that “as long as you are a decent human being then you should be treated the same as everybody else.”

“Yes, you are entitled to your opinion but one should understand what that opinion can do to young and vulnerable people’s lives in particular ones in a bad place dealing with their sexuality.” Owens writes

“When you say first of all that you respect everybody and their different views and opinions, then you can’t mean that if you are saying gay people should go to hell because of who they are.”

“It’s not a choice of being gay. I spent years and years trying not to be gay because I didn’t realise I was gay until I was about 19.”

“It’s how you are born, I believe.”

“The disappointing thing for me then, is that sometimes I don’t think people realise that it is not a choice.”

“I believe no matter who you are, as long as you are a decent human being then you should be treated the same as everybody else.”

“No better and no worse. No ticking of boxes. I should not have any preferential treatment because I’m gay, and I shouldn’t be treated any worse because I am gay.”

You can read Owens’ brilliant column in full here.