Call to make a grand slam statement

An online campaign calling for tennis fans to display rainbow flags en masse at Margaret Court Arena during the Australian Open is set to come to a head on the last weekend of the Melbourne Grand Slam event.

The protest follows recent anti-gay remarks by Australian tennis legend Margaret Court, including a statement she made in support of so-called conversion therapy for same-sex attracted people.

Court, who is the founder and senior pastor at Victory Life Church in Perth, has urged Australians to make a stand against same-sex marriage, saying no human law could ever change God’s divine laws.

“Politically correct education has masterfully escorted homosexuality out from behind closed doors, into the community openly and now is aggressively demanding marriage rights that are not theirs to take,” she said.

Court said society was best served by strong family units that comprised a mum, dad and children and that there was no reason to put forward “alternative, unhealthy, unnatural unions” as a substitute. said.

“To dismantle this sole definition of marriage and try to legitimise what God calls abominable sexual practices that include sodomy, reveals our ignorance as to the ills that come when society is forced to accept law that violates their very own God-given nature of what is right and what is wrong.”

In a show of solidarity, tennis fans attending the Open this week have already been spotted wearing rainbow colours or displaying rainbow pride flags.

British teenager Laura Robson wore a rainbow hairband during her first-round Australian Open loss to Jelena Jankovic.

Robson heard Court’s recent comments and chose to show her support for gay rights.

“I didn’t see anything about a protest,” the 19-year-old said after the match. “I wore it because I believe in equal rights for everyone, that’s it. It’s not a protest, it’s just a hairband.”

Court’s comments have also drawn the ire of openly gay tennis greats Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King.

“The more we talk openly about issues like gay marriage, the more we learn about each other,” King said.

“It is a blessing the people of Australia can live freely and express their own opinions because we need open dialogue to help us move forward.

“We have to commit to eliminating homophobia because everyone is entitled to the same rights, opportunities and protection.”

Navratilova was even more direct in criticising Court.

“Seems to me a lot of people have evolved as has the Bible, unfortunately Margaret Court has not,” she said.

“Her myopic view is truly frightening as well as damaging to the thousands of children already living in same gender families.

“I have tried to talk to Margaret, but to say she’s completely close-minded on the issue is an understatement. Here is hoping Australia will be on the right side of history and human rights, and become yet another democracy granting equal rights to all her citizens.”

The protest’s Facebook page already has about four times more fan’s than Court’s own fan page, and is steadily growing.

“Our Mission: To provide peaceful, non-disruptive support for the gay community by inundating MCA with rainbow flags during the Australian Open,” the page’s info wall reads.

“Don’t give in to hatred or be silenced by apathy or fear. We ask that you unfurl your rainbow flag in pride to support the gay community.

“Let’s ensure that this is the last generation of gay youth to be isolated by silence in the face of bigotry. Be the change you want to see. Straight or gay – be a role model.”

Australian champion Rennae Stubbs, who openly declared she was gay six years ago, is supporting the rainbow flag campaign.

“Margaret has said her feelings and it’s public and it has leverage so I think this is the only way the people feel that they can be heard – through a sign of solidarity,” Stubbs said.

“Through getting together and letting people know how they feel. As long as it (a protest) is done tastefully, that’s the most important thing for me.”

Argentine player Juan Pablo Brzezicki took to Twitter to voice hius support for the campaign.

“I hope players do a protest against her, her statements and thoughts. I would have never played in the court that carries her name,” he Tweeted.

“I think her name should be taken off the court. Even though she won 24 Grand Slams, she is no example to follow in life.”

READ MORE: MP hits out at ‘rainbow fascits’

Tennis Australia issued a statement last week distancing itself from Court’s controversial statements.

“Her personal views are her own, and are definitely not shared by Tennis Australia,” the statement read.

“We believe that everyone should be treated equally and fairly. This is a fundamental right and principle, including within the world of sport.

“Anyone advocating otherwise is advocating against fundamental and essential rights.”

But Court is remaining steadfast, even claiming to have cured people of their homosexuality through reparative therapy.

“We have them (homosexuals) in our church. I help them to overcome. We have people who have been homosexual who are now married,” she said.

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