AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR.......

**Ferret** · 27th January 2021, 02:15 AM

Originally Posted by Old Farang

She has been given an award previosly in recognition of her achievement's, and I guess in line with whatever the facts were at the time...

Margaret Court's achievements in tennis probably outrank those of Rod Laver. She won more grand slam singles titles than Laver or anybody for that matter. Laver won the grand slam in singles tennis twice. Court not only won the grand slam in singles twice but also won the grand slam in doubles twice and the grand slam in mixed doubles twice.

The above were the facts at the time when both awards were made. Laver got an AC, Court got an AO.

By upgrading her I reckon they are just acknowledging her tennis achievements were as worthy as those of Laver, correcting the record.

**RHS58** · 27th January 2021, 07:21 AM

The topic is Australian of the Year and the recipient this year is an inspirational young woman named Grace Tame.
Why are you all harping on about Margaret Court and the Australia Day Honours List?

**PhilipA** · 27th January 2021, 07:49 AM

The objections now, and highlighted by a comment from Kerry O'Brien, is related to her views on LBGT, in addition to just by whom and on what basis, this "upgrade" is based.

So has Red Kerry also criticised Martina Navratilova who has publicly stated that LGBTI changers should not be allowed to play in women's sport and has been "cancelled" for it by a major sponsor.

Remember Martina was the main sponsor of the demands to change the name of Margaret Court arena.
To me the irony is exquisite.

I think not>

So it seems it depends whether your conservative views are the determinate.

No matter what a conservative like Margaret Court does it will be subject to "cancellation"

So the 3% tail is wagging the 97% dog.

Regards PhilipA

**Bulletman** · 27th January 2021, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by RHS58

The topic is Australian of the Year and the recipient this year is an inspirational young woman named Grace Tame.
Why are you all harping on about Margaret Court and the Australia Day Honours List?

I must admit I was hoping that Shane Fitzsimmons would receive the award ....But , after reading the Grace Tame story last night i think she is a worthy winner and i certainly hope she manages to use her time to bring awareness and change to the horrible crime that she endured. No one deserves that. I dont envy her task but wish her all the luck in the world as she is going to need it.

As for Margaret Court , i notice no one has mentioned her charity and community work , feeding and clothing people in need.. I guess that doesn't sell newspapers or result in internet site hits. She is entitled to her free speech and her religious beliefs ,no different to the people who dont believe its Australia Day , its Invasion Day and are quite happy to force their opinion onto people thru the use of a loud hailer whilst march past when you are trying to have a relaxing lunch with family and friends.

Bulletman

**Saitch** · 27th January 2021, 09:57 AM

BBC Scotland - The Chief Apologises | Scot Squad | Facebook

**101RRS** · 27th January 2021, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Bulletman

As for Margaret Court , i notice no one has mentioned her charity and community work , feeding and clothing people in need..

But that is not what she is being awarded for - she was awarded for her tennis (ok) and mentoring young sports people - with her extreme views it is not appropriate she be in part awarded an AC for this aspect.

**muddy** · 27th January 2021, 10:47 AM

Margret Court award for charity for homeless and needy same as Ted Noff's wayside chapel in kings cross through her church in Perth

**Bulletman** · 27th January 2021, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by 101RRS

But that is not what she is being awarded for - she was awarded for her tennis (ok) and mentoring young sports people - with her extreme views it is not appropriate she be in part awarded an AC for this aspect.

She's not getting the award for her views or beliefs either - so concentrate on her tennis achievements and she is the greatest this country has had by a long shot .. Good enough for Rocket Rod then good enough for Margaret Court..

I never realised helping feed and clothe people in need didn't rate in a persons overall character ...

Bulletman

**BradC** · 27th January 2021, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Saitch

BBC Scotland - The Chief Apologises | Scot Squad | Facebook

If you can access iPlayer have a look at last years Scot Squad Christmas special also.

**bob10** · 27th January 2021, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by Tins

I guess then that we either do that for all the recipients, or simply give the whole thing up. I mean, what did Lee Kernaghan contribute? He got one in 2008. For Country Singing. Amazing. Wonder what HIS opinions are. Anyone ask him?

Of course, Fiona Stanley should also be denied her opinions. They didn't agree with yours, right? Fred Hollows was a bigot, maybe? John Yu?

Do any of you actually know the opinions of these very few recipients of the Australian of the Year Award? Are you willing to attack them based on their opinions?

Margaret Court is a deeply religious person. Does that mean she is right?: NO. Does that mean she is wrong?: Who knows? Does that mean we have the right to judge her? : NO. She is what she is, a proud Australian. She has beliefs, which I don't agree with, but being Australian always meant giving the other person a fair go. Well, that's what it meant when I grew up. Apparently that doesn't mean bugger all now.
Margaret Court was a legend. Now, she's a pariah. Ask yourselves: Is this your own opinion, or is it the mob's. My money is on the mob. Try thinking for yourself. If you hate Margaret Court after you have thought, at least you own it.

She was honoured for her achievements in tennis. Becausec Rod Laver was honoured, and there was a gender imbalance.

Tennis historian Richard Naughton – the author of books on Sir Norman Brookes, Ken Rosewall, and, most recently, Australia’s first women’s international star Daphne Akhurst – said if Court’s contentious opinions were able to be put aside, there was no question she belonged in the company of Laver.

Australia Day 2021: Margaret Court’s AC honour sparked by Rod Laver (smh.com.au)

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