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University: Protest Against Honorary Degree for Abortionist Morgentaler Insignificant

LONDON, Ontario, March 30, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - News that notorious Canadian abortion activist Henry Morgentaler is to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario has elicited the outrage of pro-lifers.

Despite the "firestorm of protest," as described by the National Post, the University said it still plans to bestow the honour June 16. University spokesman Ted Garrard said Tuesday that the decision of the honorary degrees committee "is final." "We certainly respect the dissenting opinions, and we did expect a good deal of reaction," Garrard, a university vice president, claimed. "But there are many people who support awarding Dr. Morgentaler this degree."

"We're so deeply disappointed that it's not easy to describe our feelings," said London-area Right to Life president Phil Arnsby. "We were in touch with the vice-president of the university and he said that despite the overwhelming public response, they wouldn't change their mind."

"Roman Catholic" Notre Dame University president Rev. Edward A. Malloy, meanwhile, is among nine other recipients of honorary degrees. In a statement to the National Post Tuesday, he said he was aware that Morgentaler was a co-recipient. "Father Malloy will accept the honorary degree since it will come from the affiliated university colleges of Western Ontario, which have a separate convocation within the university's framework," a statement said on his behalf.

Add your concerns:

Paul Davenport, President and Vice-Chancellor
The University of Western Ontario
1151 Richmond Street, Suite 2
London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B8
(519) 661-3106 x83106

Ted Garrard, Vice-President (External)
The University of Western Ontario
1151 Richmond Street, Suite 2
London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B8
(519) 661-3858 x83858

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Canadian Abortionist Morgentaler Honoured by University with Honorary Degree
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/mar/05031805.html
Canadian Abortionist Morgentaler's Annual Revenue Estimated At $11 Million
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2002/oct/02102805.html

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