Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King fire back at Margaret Court’s anti-gay statements

[xchrom]

http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2011/12/12/martina-navratilova-and-billie-jean-king-fire-back-at-margaret-courts-anti-gay-statements/

Last week, tennis great Margaret Court lashed out against gay people and gay marriage; Her homophobia has become a lasting theme in her retirement. Out lesbians Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King both returned fire this weekend. Navratilova told the Tennis Channel:

'Seems to me a lot of people have evolved as has the Bible, 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. …

I have tried to talk to Margaret, but to say she’s completely close-minded on the issue is an understatement.'

King resounded Navratilova’s sentiments:

'I respectfully disagree with Margaret’s position on gay marriage. We have to commit to eliminating homophobia because everyone is entitled to the same rights, opportunities and protection.'




*** that's really the whole article.
can i just say -- i love, love, love martina and billie jean.

[joeybee12]

1. Margaret Court is a mess...

A while back she came out saying Martina wasn't a good role model because she was a lesbian...it was nice to see Chris and the other players fire back at Margaret then.

[Lint Head]

2. Margaret Court is a bigot and does not deserve to be 'repsectfully' disagreed with but Martina

and Billie Jean have class. Bigotry should never be respected but totally shunned. Just my opinion.

[jumptheshadow]

3. Has anybody read "Rivals?"

It's the story of the mostly friendly rivalry between Martina and Chris Evert.

It's a very illuminating book about Billie Jean's integrity and activism for women's sports and gay rights. Intererestingly, Chris Evert (not Martina) was one of the few people who stood by her. Martina had to work through her own coming-out process before she became the activist she is now.

Billie Jean is a true heroine.

[stevenleser]

4. Both Navratilova and BJK have tons of class, additionally, BJK is a global treasure.

If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting her, BJK is just as amazing and gracious in person as you would imagine.

There are few people in history that have had the positive impact that BJK has had. A treasure indeed!