Fr. Rob Bower from the Gosford Anglican Church has been a longtime LGBTIQ+ ally. (Twitter)

Fr. Rob Bower from the Gosford Anglican Church has been a longtime LGBTIQ+ ally. (Twitter) Source: Twitter

Father Rod Bower of the Anglican Church in Gosford, NSW, has been a longtime advocate for equality and vocal ally to the Australian LGBTIQ+ community.

Now, as former rugby star Israel Folau launches a fresh attack on gay and transgender people, Bower has taken a firm stand once more.

"Israel Folau is the price we pay for free speech," Bower wrote on Twitter.

He added: "He has the right to say it and I have a responsibility to oppose what he says."

The tweet was accompanied by a photo of his church's letter board, which states: "LGBT friends, Folau is wrong. Don't listen to him."

Bower, who was an active supporter of the the 'Yes' campaign during the same-sex marriage postal survey, last year announced his intention to run for senate as an independent.

"This nation has been diminished by the policies that have led to what's now happening on Manus Island and Nauru," he said at the time.



"In the Senate I would hope to be able to encourage our politicians to adhere to our international covenants and refugee conventions."

While his bid was ultimately unsuccessful, Bower is showing no sign of slowing down.



“After the election, I think the sector is a bit more conscious of the need for our work in the community, and if anything is even more dedicated to it,” he said earlier this year.

“It’s on us collectively to create belonging where people from all faiths, politics, traditions, and views are able to flourish.”