Margaret Court Now Says Being Gay Direct Result Of Sexual Abuse

Margaret Court is now claiming homosexuality is often the result of sexual abuse. Amid a growing backlash over her opposition to same sex marriage, the three-time Wimbledon champion told the Sunday Herald Sun that "many, many" gay and lesbian people she knew of had "been abused” and this had led to their sexual orientation. Court, a senior minister at Perth's Victory Life Centre, has already sparked fury among gay and equal rights activists for recent comments including that the push for gay marriage was trying "to legitimise what God calls abominable sexual practices.” When asked whether she felt such abuse led people to homosexuality, Court said: "Yes. You look at a lot of them, that's happened." Peter Rosengren, editor of the Catholic Church's The Record newspaper, batted away her latest claims, saying he had "never heard of any scientific study" linking abuse and homosexuality, and that "everyone has to be respected.” In a wide-ranging interview, Court also said: "The word of God is our TV guide to life. It's not out to get you, it's not the fear book, it's a wonderful love book and it tells us how to live our lives,” that "I would have won six Wimbledons not three ... if I'd known what I know now from the scriptures, on the area of the mind,” that she had "nothing against" immigrants, but many expected Australians "to change our laws to embrace what they have, and I don't feel that's right,” and added that "Christianity is a way forward" for Aboriginal people. Court also said she did not regret speaking out against same sex marriage. "I say what God says, and that's why I've spoken out," she said. "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I have a right as a minister to say that. I believe it's important for young people to know that. You look at the decline in the world today I think it's so important for values and morals and righteousness to come forth like never before."