Sydney (AFP)

Wallabies star Israel Folau, dismissed in May for homophobic remarks, has once again created controversy by suggesting that the major forest fires and drought affecting Australia are "the judgment of God" after the country has legalized same-sex marriage and abortion.

This evangelical Christian, on trial with the Australian Rugby Federation who fired him after his comments about homosexuals ("Hell is waiting for you"), again made outrageous remarks during a Sunday sermon in Sydney.

Statements "terribly insensitive", regretted the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, himself also evangelical Christian.

"See how fast these fires, these droughts, all these things happened in such a short time.Do you think it's a coincidence?", Said the 30-year-old, who is considering a return to rugby XIII. "God is speaking to you, Australia must repent and annul these laws, return to what is good according to God."

Same-sex marriage was legalized in the country after a referendum in 2017 and New South Wales became the last state to decriminalize abortion in September.

Folau, who shared his sermon on his Facebook page, even claimed that these fires and droughts were "just a glimpse of God's judgment coming".

Comments that the Prime Minister quickly condemned: "It was terrible words, he is a free citizen, he can say what he wants, but that does not mean that he can disregard the serious consequences for the people whose homes were burned, "he said.

Even former Australian team coach Ala Jones, one of his most fervent supporters, regretted Folau's statements: "Israel is a charming human being, I know him well, but Israel, shut up!" he said on the radio.

Folau's lawsuit against the Australian Federation is scheduled for next February, unless mediation between the parties, scheduled for December, ends.

© 2019 AFP