Teenage Tennis Star Denies Making Gay Protest at Australian Open
Laura Robson, 17, Denies Her Rainbow Headband Was a Protest
British tennis player Laura Robson has been forced to reject claims that she was making any sort of protest in favor of homosexuality Monday, after she donned a rainbow colored headband for her first round match in the Australian Open.
Gay activists expressed their delight that Robson was wearing the rainbow headband, saying that she was the latest high-profile person to offer backing to their agendas.
However, 17-year-old Laura Robson has denied claims that her choice of headwear was a gay protest.
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Although the young tennis star explained that she believes in “equal rights for everyone,” she stated, "It's not a protest, it's just a hairband," after losing to Jelena Jankovic in the first round.
In the weeks leading up to this year's Australian Open, gay groups had threatened to protest the tournament with a sea of rainbow flags, though they have yet to follow through, according to The Australian.
"We have seen, unfortunately, a very small section of the gay community - and I think these people have actually done an enormous amount of damage to the gay community - these extremists who have embarked on a program of rainbow fascism," Liberal MP Bernie Finn told Radio 2UE.
Last week The Christian Post reported that gay activists were plotting to stage protests against pastor and retired former world no. 1 tennis player Margaret Court at this year's Australian Open, because she believes marriage should not be redefined to include homosexuals.
Court, 69, who has a tennis court named in her honor, is invited to the international tournament every year in honor of her achievements and contribution to the sport.
The Victory Life Centre church pastor has never been shy about her faith-led beliefs, but simply because she disagrees with the gay activist drive to force through the acceptance of gay marriages, gay groups have called for a personal protest against her.
"I think I have a right, being a minister of the gospel, to say what it says from a scriptural side. I have been married for 44 years this year and, to me, marriage is something very special, wonderful, ordained by God," Court told The Australian newspaper.
"Are they not wanting me to come to the Australian Open? Is that what they are trying to do? I don't run from anything," Court added, insisting that she still planned to attend.
Although the mother of two has insisted that she holds no malice and that she has "nothing against homosexual people,” gay activists have established the Facebook page Rainbow Flags Over Margaret Court Arena as an outlet to attack her views, in which some are labeling a bullying campaign.
Court believes that marriage is defined by scripture as between one man and one woman – a belief held by Christians for thousands of years. Gay activists, however, see her choice to remain true to that belief as hatred towards all homosexuals, and have launched a Facebook group stating: "Don't give in to hatred or be silenced by apathy or fear. We ask that you unfurl your rainbow flag in pride to support the gay community.”
Since Robson displayed a rainbow colored headband, gay activists have been quick to claim her as an activist for the gay community, despite her dismissal of the claims.
"Obviously I'm going to be asked about it and I was expecting that and I've given my answer," Robson said.
