PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: July 2, 2007

Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, MCC Clergyperson and Human
Rights Activist, Honored With Order of Canada Award
"Brent Hawkes is a hero for Canada, and for all of us the world
over," says head of Metropolitan Community Churches.

(Los Angeles) - The Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, the Toronto clergyperson whose challenge of Ontario's marriage laws led to marriage rights for same-sex couples across Canada, has been awarded membership in the Order of Canada by Canada's national government.

The Order of Canada is the highest civilian national honor that can be awarded in Canada and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. It honors those who have made a recognizable and lasting contribution to Canadian society and is awarded in the name of Queen Elizabeth II, who serves as Sovereign of the Order, by Canada's Governor General, the Queen's representative in the country.

"It's amazing," said Rev. Hawkes, of the national government's honor. "My head's spinning a bit. I'm used to picketing governments and taking them to court."

In 2001, Rev. Hawkes, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, performed wedding ceremonies for two same-sex couples using an ancient law known as "reading of banns." Because of threats made against the long-time activist for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, Rev. Hawkes had to wear a bullet-proof vest while performing the ceremonies. When Ontario refused to register the marriages, he took the case to court, ultimately leading to marriage equality across all of Canada.

A court ruling on July 12, 2002, made Canada the third nation in the world to recognize same-sex marriages, following in the footsteps of Denmark (1997) and the Netherlands (1998). In 2005, the Canadian Parliament passed a national marriage equality bill that finalized the earlier court rulings.

"I am so proud of Rev. Brent Hawkes," said Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), the world's largest and oldest Christian denomination with a primary affirming ministry to LGBT people. "Brent is an MCC colleague and friend of more than 30 years. He has spent a lifetime challenging the government of Canada, and in doing so has repeatedly proven his love and loyalty to the ideals of Canada, as well as the ideals of his spiritual faith. Brent Hawkes is a hero for Canada, and for all of us the world over. Brent has earned this honor and Metropolitan Community Churches is proud to share this honor with him!"

Rev. Dr. Troy D. Perry, a long-time U.S. activist for marriage equality, said, "The actions of Rev. Brent Hawkes changed the course of a nation, and made marriage equality a reality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons across Canada. Thanks to Rev. Hawkes' boldness, my partner Philip Ray De Blieck and I achieved our dream of being legally married in a wedding ceremony officiated under Canadian law by Rev. Hawkes on July 16, 2003."

Perry, Founder and Moderator Emeritus of Metropolitan Community Churches, performed the first public same-sex wedding ceremony in the U.S. in 1969 and in 1970 sued the State of California seeking legal recognition of same-gender marriages. Perry lost the initial court battle, but launched the struggle for marriage equality in the United States. "Everywhere I go, I tell people, 'Thank God for Canada!'" said Rev. Perry. "This award by the Canadian government should remind all of us to also say 'Thank God for Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, and for his tireless commitment to social justice and human rights.'"

Rev. Hawkes will observe his 30th anniversary as pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto in August.

Founded in 1968, Metropolitan Community Churches offer positive, affirming Christian spirituality to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. MCC congregations are located in 28 countries and each year more than 225,000 persons attend programs and services of Metropolitan Community Churches. Additional information on the international MCC movement can be found at www.MCCchurch.org.

(END)

For Additional Information, Or To
Arrange Interviews With Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, Contact:

Jim Birkitt, MCC Communications Director
Tel. (310) 625-4177 - mobile
E-Mail: info@MCCchurch.net
Web: www.MCCchurch.org

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