Gay Rights Activist Honoured For Life’s Work
Posted February 22, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A man well-known in Toronto, and well-loved in the global community, was recognized Friday with one of Canada’s highest honours. The Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, senior pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, was made a member of the Order of Canada for his commitment to human rights.
He performed the country’s – and the world’s – first legal gay marriage in 2001, changing Canadian law in the process. For his work, Rev. Dr. Hawkes has previously been honoured with the City of Toronto ‘s Award of Merit, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the United Nations Toronto Association Global Citizen Award and the YMCA Peace Medal.
The Order of Canada is Canada’s highest civilian honour. Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. To find a list of members, click here.
