Ian Roberts has delivered a confronting message in the wake of Israel Folau's ongoing code of conduct hearing.
Folau is battling to keep his rugby career alive, with Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby attempting to terminate his contract.
It comes after Folau published social media posts that warned "sinners" are destined for hell.
Listed as the "sinners" were drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters.
MORE: Israel Folau's RA code of conduct hearing to drag into Sunday
Roberts was a pioneer in rugby league and an inspiration to many as he was the first professional to come out as gay.
The former Australia international braved abuse throughout his career, but remained true to who he was.
He was 27 when he first came out to his parents, and another three years passed before he came out publicly.
Speaking on Sports Sunday, Roberts was empathic, but powerful in delivering his message with the Folau issue well and truly on the agenda.
"I do feel sorry for Israel, but there are consequences to your actions and reactions," Roberts said.
"I don't mean this lightly, what I'm about to say, but the language I use is hard to get my message across.
"There are literally kids in the suburbs killing themselves.
"I say that with the greatest sense of respect, and I'm not implying that Israel's solely responsible for that. Please don't take it way.
"But it's these types of comments, off-the-cuff remarks, when you have young people, vulnerable kids in the suburbs who are dealing with their sexuality, confused, not knowing how to deal with it.
"These kinds of remarks do push people over the edge."
Footage recently emerged of Folau breaking down during a church service - but Roberts admitted that he had little sympathy.
Roberts acknowledged that young people were vulnerable and would be greatly affected by public comments like Folau's, and that homophobia remains a genuine concern in professional sport.
"Freedom of religion doesn't allow freedom to vilify, it just doesn't," Roberts said.
"I saw the footage of Israel that has just come to light, at his church, where he was obviously upset. But my sentiments to that is, you can't use that now, it's almost playing victim.
"LGBTIQ people [are] five-times more likely to die of suicide than the general population. Sixteen per cent of LGBTIQ people, before the age of 27, have attempted suicide twice.
"There's still that homophobic, homoerotic sense of masculinity that's played out, and people are still dealing with that."
Ian Roberts' powerful message on the Israel Folau issue.
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