<div class="at-above-post addthis tool" data-url="https://www.metro.us/expected-australian-honor-for/"></div>MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Australia is to award tennis great Margaret Court the country’s highest honor next week, media reported on Friday, a decision that has stoked controversy because of her history of anti-gay views. The awards are usually announced during the Australia Day holiday on Jan. 26, which comes this year just as the Australian […]<! AddThis Advanced Settings above via filter on get the excerpt ><! AddThis Advanced Settings below via filter on get the excerpt ><! AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get the excerpt ><! AddThis Share Buttons above via filter on get the excerpt ><! AddThis Share Buttons below via filter on get the excerpt ><div class="at-below-post addthis tool" data-url="https://www.metro.us/expected-australian-honor-for/"><
The tennis great's achievements in the sport she dominated decades ago are unparalleled but she has been a controversial figure because of her religious views.
Courtâs toxic views donât make her worthy of acclaim Australia Day honours should not go to someone like Margaret Court who spreads hatred and dangerous views about minority groups, says Susie OâBrien.
Opinion by Susie OâBrien
Premium Content OPINION Margaret Court s bigoted and offensive views off the court should prohibit us from honouring her contribution to Australian life. This includes the Australia Day honours. I am saddened that Court, who has previously been named an Officer of the order of Australia, is to be promoted to become a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC) next week.
Tennis legend Margaret Court is set to be recognised on the Australia Day honours list, despite continued outrage over her controversial views on same-sex marriage.
First published on Thu 21 Jan 2021 19.42 EST
Margaret Court, the former Australian tennis player who has sparked controversy in recent years because of her views on LGBTQ+ issues, will be recognised with Australia’s highest honour.
Court, who has worked as a Pentecostal minister since her retirement from tennis, will be awarded the Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest category of honour awarded as part of the Australia Day honours on Tuesday.
Court was a vehement opponent of same-sex marriage in Australia before the 2017 postal survey, and has become a controversial figure in tennis because of her stance on LGBTQ+ rights.