'I've been bullied': Margaret Court's explosive new claims

Margaret Court has hit back at her detractors and claimed she has been ‘used’ following her Companion of the Order of Australia honour.

The decision to promote Court to a Companion of the Order of Australia has sparked backlash, even prompting Journalism great Kerry O’Brien has rejected his Australia Day award in support of Dr Clara Tuck Meng Soo.

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But Court hit back at her critics, in an interview on 3AW’s Neil Mitchell show, claiming she had been ‘used’ as a high-profile target especially during the same-sex marriage debate.

She also stood by her traditional values on same-sex marriage and homosexuality.

“I’ve always said what the bible says. And I don’t hate anybody. I love people. And I love gay people and I love transgender people,” she said on 3AW.

“There were some things that were said on radio that claimed I said transgender children are the devil. I never said that.

“I was used as a high profile person to get some opinions and views across – and I have nothing against homosexual people or transgender people.

“Everything we do is man’s life is a choice. That’s the freedom God gave us. That’s their choice. I don’t hate them for their choice.”

Court also claimed she has been ‘bullied’ over her views on same-sex marriage throughout the years.

“I’ve been bullied a lot in the last few years and I don’t mind, that’s alright, but if I say anything, I am a bigot, and I don’t like that,” she added.

Mitchell said he invited Court on to the show to give her a chance to explain herself, but claimed “she may have dug herself into a deeper hole”.

Margaret Court responds to Daniel Andrews

When asked about the decision on Friday to promote Court into the prestigious group, Victorian Premier Andrews lashed out.

“I do not support that,” Mr Andrews told reporters.

“I do not believe that she has views that accord with the vast majority of people across our nation, that see people particularly from the LGBTIQ community as equal and deserving as dignity, respect and safety.

Despite Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews hitting out at the decision to award Court the country’s highest honour on Australia Day, the 24-time Grand Slam champ isn’t taking it to heart.

“I pray for him,” she added.

“I have nothing against the Premier of Victoria.”

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