A Perth school has dropped Reverend Margaret Court as the patron of it’s tennis programs because of her views on the LGBTI community and marriage.

John Forrest Secondary College has announced it will find a “high profile tennis player” to be the patron of its tennis academy.

On October 18th The Eastern Reporter shared the news that Reverend Court had decided to step down from her role as the school’s tennis patron because she could no longer continue the commitment. The school has a specialist tennis academy which has more than 80 students.

Tennis Coordinator John Campbell told the paper that Reverend Court has been a great asset to the school, and that there had been no backlash in regards to her controversial comments about same sex marriage, transgender children and LGBTI people.

“From the school’s perspective it was fantastic and she for many is still considered as the best female tennis player or player ever.” Campbell told the newspaper.

However, Reverend Court has shared a letter from the school which questioned whether her views aligned with theirs.

The Chair of the College, Dr Megan Lloyd, wrote to Margaret Court challenging her on her views about sexuality and inclusion.

In the letter Dr Lloyd said there was concern that Reverend Court’s recent statements about sexuality and family did not align with the college’s core values.

“Accordingly, we ask you to confirm that your views align with our college and will allow you to be promoted to our students as someone who values diversity and inclusivity, is accepting of race and cultural difference and will happily accept people with different sexualities.” Dr Lloyd wrote.

Reverend Court ending her relationship with the college follows a similar move by Cottesloe Tennis Club which replaced her as their patron.

OIP Staff