Margaret Court defends right to religious freedom of speech, slams media over 2021 Australia Day Honours leak

Former tennis great Margaret Court has welcomed the decision to promote her to the highest level of the Order of Australia, after the decision came under fire from two state premiers and LGBT groups concerned about her past criticisms of same sex marriage.

Earlier today it was revealed Ms Court is set to be promoted from an Officer of the Order of Australia, to a Companion.

The information was embargoed but was tweeted by a freelance journalist, and then put to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews at a press conference.

Speaking to the ABC, Ms Court said the