If she had her time again, Margaret Court would do it all the same.
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The Australian tennis legend and grand slam titles record holder came under public scrutiny for her long-held stance on same sex-marriage in 2017.
Fellow Albury sporting export Lauren Jackson was among the long list of high profile personalities to criticise Court’s views.
“I just said what the Bible said and I think a lot of people didn’t like it,” Court said.
“Really that’s all I was saying and you got blasted because of it and bullied because of it.
“In my heart, I have nothing against the person, we have them in our own church, but that’s how I think it was portrayed.
“I think I had broad shoulders in tennis and you can carry it through.
“I’d still say the same thing again today.
We need to be able to say what we think and believe.
- Margaret Court
“I think we really need to protect freedom of speech because that’s the start of something.
“We need to be able to say what we think and believe.
“It wasn’t that I was saying what I thought, I was saying it from what God thought in the Scriptures.”
Court admitted she stands up and speaks her mind for the next generation.
“I think a lot of people did (get upset) because I think they lead that lifestyle and that’s their choice,” she said.
“I don’t have anything against what they choose, but I say it because of the next generation of the children.
“I think we’ll have a very confused group of young people, particularly with what they’re trying to bring into the schools more and more.
“I think that’s sad.
“That’s the only reason, at my age, why would I be doing it? I have grandchildren, so I look at the children and think from that age is when everything is planted.”
Court’s record of 24 grand slam singles titles could be equalled by Australian Open favourite Serena Williams this month.
“It’s close with the singles, I don’t think anybody will ever beat the overall (64 grand slams),” Court said.
“I think if she (Williams) wins and she beats it, she deserves it because I’ve held it for close to 50 years.”
Court won’t attend this year’s Australian Open, heading to a wedding in Sydney on Friday before returning home to Perth.
Beau Greenway
Beau Greenway is a journalist at The Border Mail. He likes to tell the stories of great people in our communities. Email: beau.greenway@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Beau Greenway is a journalist at The Border Mail. He likes to tell the stories of great people in our communities. Email: beau.greenway@austcommunitymedia.com.au
