Margaret Court delivers controversial sermon ahead of Australian Open

Tennis legend Margaret Court has doubled down on her views regarding sexuality and transgender athletes ahead of her Grand Slam 50th anniversary.

Tennis legend Margaret Court has doubled down on her controversial views regarding sexuality during a sermon at her Perth church.

Court condemned transgender athletes during a fiery address, claiming young people should not change their assigned sex because “God made us that way”.

The controversial comments take place after Tennis Australia’s announcement they will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Court’s grand slam at the Australian Open next month.

The 77-year-old demanded to be acknowledged after Rod Laver’s equivalent anniversary was celebrated earlier this year.

Tennis Australia settled the dispute by agreeing to “recognise but not celebrate” Court’s rare achievement.

Margaret Court delivering her passionate sermon.

Court fronted her congregation on Sunday, calling young transgender Australians “so wrong” during the passionate sermon.

“Children are making the decision at seven or eight years of age to change their sex … no, just read the first two chapters of Genesis, that’s all I say. Male and female,” Court said.

“It’s so wrong at that age because a lot of things are planted in this thought realm at that age, and they start to question ‘what am I’.

“And you know with that LGBT, they’ll wish they never put the T on the end of it because, particularly in women’s sports, they’re going to have so many problems.

“You have got young people taking hormones and having changes, by the time they are 17 they are thinking, ‘Now I’m a boy and really I was a girl’.

“Because you know what, God made us that way,” she said.

Court also highlighted the difficulty of openly discussing her religious views, claiming “the devil” has control over the media and Government.

“The devil gets in and the media and the political, the education, TV — he wants to control a nation so he can affect people’s minds and mouths,” Court said.

Margaret Court has become a polarising figure because of her views regarding sexuality.

“I can go on television and if I say, ‘well, this is what the Bible says’, well, it’s like opening a can of worms.

“My goodness, you’ve let a torpedo off or something. No it’s true, because they hate the word of God.”

Australian Christian Lobby Managing Director Martyn Iles praised Court for her boldness last week, calling her “a great Australian”.

“Not only is (Court) regarded by many as the greatest female tennis player in history, but she has remained a great Australian since her retirement from tennis,” Iles said in a statement.

“She is a pastor, a counsellor, and manages charities which help thousands. And she is a Christian who does not waver in her commitment to Christ.

“Despite overwhelming pressure, attacks on her sporting legacy, and misrepresentations, Margaret has refused to compromise her values or her faith. She always speaks openly of God’s word, her beliefs, and the love of Christ.

“We want Margaret to know how much so many people appreciate her, not just for her sporting achievements, but also for her testimony.”

Margaret Court has a record-breaking career, winning 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

Tennis Australia openly condemned Court’s views in November, and made it clear in an open letter they are not welcome in the sport.

“Tennis Australia does not agree with Margaret’s personal views, which have demeaned and hurt many in our community over a number of years,” Tennis Australia wrote.

“They do not align with our values of equality, diversity and inclusion.

“Our sport welcomes everyone, no matter what gender, ability, race, religion or sexuality, and we will continue to actively promote inclusion initiatives widely at all levels of the sport.”

Court is former world number one who claimed 24 Grand Slam singles tournaments, which remains an all-time record.

The 2020 Australian Open — where Court has been invited to attend as a special guest — commences Tuesday, January 14th in Melbourne.