Rev. Brent Hawkes tells congregation ‘I will fight these allegations’
Posted February 7, 2016 10:22 am.
Last Updated February 7, 2016 11:51 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Facing his congregation for the first time since charges were laid against him last week, Rev. Brent Hawkes said he would fight the allegations connecting him to a sexual assault 40 years ago in Nova Scotia.
As he began his weekly sermon at Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, Hawkes spoke of the impact the allegations have had on both his and his husband John Sproule’s life.
“This has been a very difficult time for John and me, as you can imagine. But I want to be clear, I am innocent of these allegations,” he said.
“For 38 years I have fought with all that I have for equality for our community. I fought to give voice to those who have no voice. Now I will fight these allegations with all that I have. This time, however, my fight will be different. This time I will allow my lawyers to give voice for me,” he continued.
On Monday the RCMP confirmed Hawkes had been charged with indecent assault and gross indecency.
“Charges are related to allegations of a historical sex assault in the 1970s,” RCMP Nova Scotia confirmed in a statement.
His lawyer, Clayton Ruby, said he would fight to clear his client’s name and said he’s confident he’ll be “vindicated.”
Hawkes has been a longtime activist for human rights and performed the first ever same-sex marriage in Ontario in 2001.
He also officiated over the state funeral of Jack Layton.
“I have a faith that will sustain me as well as faith in the Canadian justice system,” he told the congregation. “I wish I could say more but everything I have to say will now be said in court.”
Hawkes then gave thanks for the love and support he has received this past week.
“I truly appreciate the love and support from everyone. Our church has always been a place of love, compassion and support and I ask that we all continually pray for healing and continually pray for everyone, everyone involved.”