Gay rights activists plan to storm the Australian Open in protest at anti-gay comments by Australian tennis champion Margaret Court.

Activists plan to inundate Margaret Court Arena and raise hundreds of rainbow flags. Thousands of supporters have already backed the protest.

Protest co-ordinator Doug Pollard urged people to wear rainbow colours to the event each day.

"We are not asking for a lot of noise," he said.

"We just want to say that we don't agree with all the lies Margaret Court has been peddling. People think that she has got away with it for too long and have heard enough of her trading in on her tennis halo."

The Facebook site responsible for starting the initiative was created in the US, but has used the Australian Open to make its point.

"Don't give in to hatred or be silenced by apathy or fear," the online call to arms states.

"We ask that you unfurl your rainbow flag in pride to support the gay community."

Australian Sex Party president Fiona Patten said the Australian Open was a great platform to promote tolerance.

"Hopefully this sends the message that the majority of the community believe everybody should be treated equally," she said.

But the Australian Christian Lobby urged a rethink.

"Margaret Court has never sought to use either her status or this event to politicise her views, or even publicise them, instead the gay activists have, and with unbelievable vitriol," managing director Jim Wallace said.

Court, who made comments last month opposing gay marriage, will head to the open next week and said she had no reservations about attending despite the uproar.

Tennis Australia said yesterday it did not support Court's views.

"Margaret has expressed a personal view," tournament director Craig Tiley said.

''Tennis Australia does not share that view and believes everyone should be treated equally and fairly.

Source: Herald Sun