Third Canadian honor returned in protest

OTTAWA, July 9 (UPI) -- For the third time, an Order of Canada medal has been disavowed in protest of a controversial abortion rights doctor being named to the order.

Former New Brunswick Lt. Gov. Gilbert Finn, 87, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., he didn't want to be part of an order that included Dr. Henry Morgentaler, as he said he didn't share the same values.

Finn told the broadcaster he "sent a note to the prime minister and to the governor general" saying he no longer wanted the honor bestowed on him in 1974.

Morgentaler, now 85, defied Canada's anti-abortion laws beginning in 1969 and is credited by some and criticized by others for the legalization of the practice in Canada.

He was named to the order July 1. Soon after, British Columbia Roman Catholic priest Rev. Lucien Larre returned his medal and renounced membership, the CBC said. The Madonna House, which operates soup kitchens and retreats in seven countries, also protested and returned the medal awarded to its late founder, Catherine Doherty, the report said.