Australian Margaret Smith Court is certainly one of the strongest tennis players in the history of our sport: her record for the highest number of career Grand Slam trophies won in singles (24) as well as the highest number of titles won in Melbourne were won (11).
Also very strong in doubles, winning 19 majors in this specialty, in addition to 21 in mixed doubles. However, the former advocate was often mentioned for her tough stance against homosexuality, which she viewed as an abomination in God’s eyes.
Margaret Smith Court again honored in Australia
Next Tuesday, on the occasion of Australia Day, Margaret will be awarded the title “Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia”.
Daniel Andrews, the current Prime Minister of the State of Victoria, said: “I am not the one giving these awards. It’s not my problem, it’s someone else’s. You should speak to them if you want to know why these ideas – disrespectful, painful, and costly – should be rewarded.
“A little later, Andrews repeated on Twitter:” I don’t want to give space to this person’s shameful and bigoted ideas. But when other people insist on rewarding them with the nation’s highest honor, it is worth repeating one thing: winning Grand Slam tournaments does not entitle you to arouse hatred and divide.
Instead, opposition leader Anthony Albanese wrote on his social channels: “Margaret Court has already been recognized for her bravery in tennis. He is already an officer in the Order of Australia.
I think it is clear to everyone that making her the companion of the Order now has nothing to do with tennis. “For some time now, tennis players and fans have been pushing for the Margaret Court Arena at the Australian Open to be renamed in honor of Evonne Goolagong, four-time Melbourne champion.
I don’t want to give this person’s disgraceful, bigoted views any oxygen.
But when others insist on rewarding them with this country’s highest honour – I think it’s worth saying again:
Grand Slam wins don’t give you some right to spew hatred and create division.
Nothing does.
– Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) January 22, 2021
Margaret Court has already been honoured for her tennis prowess.
She’s already an Officer of the Order of Australia.
I think it’s clear for everyone to see that making her a Companion of the Order of Australia has nothing to do with tennis.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 22, 2021
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