Reverend Brent Hawkes accused of sex crimes

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One of Canada’s most progressive Christian pastors who officiated at Jack Layton’s state funeral in 2011 is accused of sex crimes in the Maritimes. Reverend Brent Hawkes has been charged in connection with allegations dating back to the 1970s.

Hawkes is an Order of Canada recipient and officiated the country’s first same-sex marriages. The openly gay pastor has been charged with committing sex crimes in Nova Scotia. He is a native of Bath, New Brunswick, but has been a senior pastor at the Metropolitan Community church in Toronto for nearly 40 years.

The 65 year old has been charged with indecent assault and gross indecency.