Billie Jean King doesn’t agree with Margaret Court’s views against gay marriage but still respects her

Billie Jean King has spent her life fighting for equality and for fairness on and of the tennis court.

Her greatest rival throughout the 60s and early 70s was an Australian player named Margaret Court.

Flash-forward 40 years and they are still on opposite sides of the court – so to speak – with King a lesbian and advocate for LGBT equality and Court a preacher who is one of the most vocal opponents against gay marriage becoming legal Down Under.

“I totally respect her opinion, but I don’t agree with her at all. We have a rising problem with homophobia globally,” King said in an exclusive interview with The Desert Sun. “This is about civil rights. It’s about equality, having equal opportunities and rights. Everyone gets too wigged out on it. I guess because it’s sexual, people get funny. But it’s just about equal rights. That’s all it is. And I don’t know what they’re trying to make it into. It’s just equal rights.”

Last month, Court said: “Politically correct education has masterfully escorted homosexuality out from behind closed doors, into the community openly and now is aggressively demanding marriage rights that is not theirs to take.”

Court’s outspoken views have led to protests against the winner of a record 24 grand slam singles titles and people calling to have her name removed from one of the stadium courts at Melbourne Park where the Australian Open is currently being played.

King thinks that’s taking things too far.

“No, no, no, get rid of her for that? Because you don’t agree with her? Are you kidding? Just because you don’t agree with someone? Please. She deserves it. She’s a great player,” she said.