Court of Appeals

Steffi Graf acts as a bouncer buffer between Jesus freak Margaret Court and Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King

Aussie tennis legend Margaret Court's hatred for gays has been known for decades -- just ask Martina Navratilova, who was still playing when Court told the press that lesbians and bisexuals were ruining the sport and setting a bad example for younger players -- but with a push for marriage equality currently going on Down Under, just how ugly the former Miss Smith really is has recently become world news.

“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," Court declared last week. "The fact that the homosexual cry is, 'We can't help it as we were born this way,' as the cause behind their own personal choice is cause for concern. Every action begins with a thought. There is a choice to be made."

Kudos to Martina and Billie Jean King -- as well as Aussie doubles great Rennae Stubbs -- for pushing back against the 62-time major champion.

“I respectfully disagree with Margaret’s position on gay marriage,” Billie Jean King told the Sweet Spot blog. “We have to commit to eliminating homophobia because everyone is entitled to the same rights, opportunities and protection. The more we talk openly about issues like gay marriage, the more we learn about each other. 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.

Martina was less diplomatic, saying: "I have tried to talk to Margaret, but to say she’s completely close-minded on the issue is an understatement." She added: "Seems to me a lot of people have evolved as has the Bible, [for example regarding] slavery. Unfortunately, Margaret Court has not. Her myopic view is truly frightening as well as damaging to the thousands of children already living in same gender families.”

Fellow Aussie Rennae Stubbs had this to say about her one-time idol: "As a young Australian tennis player, I aspired to be like Margaret Court," says Stubbs, who came out publicly in 2006. "This is why it has been very difficult to understand her words of hate directed towards homosexuals. It is unfortunate that someone with her stature has chosen to propagate discrimination and I disagree with her comments wholeheartedly."

I'm a lifelong tennis fanatic who first realized what "being gay" meant by watching Billie Jean King's personal drama unfold in the media -- "Oh, that's what I am," I said to myself during BJK's infamous press conference in which she admitted an affair with her secretary/hair dresser -- and I have this to say to Margaret Court: Tennis has long been one of the most tolerant sports (blacks, gays, transsexuals) and nothing you can say can undo that. You're on the right side of tennis history, but on the wrong side of the history that really matters. Time for you to go away with what little dignity you have left. (H/T Towleroad)