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Australian Open won't rename venue after ex-player's criticism of same-sex marriage

The Australian Open venue named after Margaret Court won't be renamed - after the 24-time Grand S...



Australian Open won't rena...
Golf

Australian Open won't rename venue after ex-player's criticism of same-sex marriage

The Australian Open venue named after Margaret Court won't be renamed - after the 24-time Grand Slam tennis winner criticised same-sex marriage.

The former player is unhappy with Australian airline Qantas for supporting it. The 74-year-old said she would not fly with the airline "where possible" as a protest.

"I am disappointed that Qantas has become an active promoter for same-sex marriage," she told The West Australian newspaper.

"I believe in marriage as a union between a man and a woman as stated in the Bible.

"Your statement leaves me no option but to use other airlines where possible for my extensive travelling."

Tennis Australia says Court's personal views "are her own" - and don't match up with their values of "equality, inclusion and diversity".

The full statement reads: "As a legend of the sport, we respect Margaret Court's achievements in tennis and her unmatched playing record. 

"Her personal views are her own, and do not align with Tennis Australia's values of equality, inclusion and diversity."

Court, now a Christian pastor, had the venue named after her in 2003. Tennis Australia decided to rename the court, originally called Show Court One, in honour of her achievements in tennis. 

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