TORONTO, ON December 20, 2012 – The Catholic Civil Rights League is pleased to announce that its President, Philip Horgan, has received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for services to the legal profession and advocacy. He has been President of the League since 2004.
“This award recognizes the work of the Catholic Civil Rights League, and its members from across the country, who seek a fair hearing for religious and conscientious views in the public square, in service of the common good,” said Mr. Horgan (pictured). “This award is recognition of the many activities of the League, and our efforts to engage legislators, courts, and the media in seeking a fair hearing for religious and conscientious freedom in Canada.
“I would like to acknowledge my parents, Frank and Jeanne Horgan, who celebrated their own diamond anniversary July 26, 2012, and also Tom Langan, my predecessor and co-founder of the League, who passed away in May, 2012. Our executive director, Joanne McGarry, our current and former staff, and executive and board members, all contribute greatly to its work. My service would not be possible without the support of my wife, Christine, and my five children, who inspire me every day.”
While practising as a lawyer in Toronto since 1988, Mr. Horgan has served as an executive member and President (1993-95) of the Thomas More Lawyers Guild of Toronto, and as Vice President (1994 – 2004) and then President (2004 to present) of the Catholic Civil Rights League. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of Lexview, an Internet site devoted to providing commentary on significant appellate and other cases at the intersection of conscience, religion, law, and public policy, and is a founding board member of the Faith and Freedom Alliance, a charity directed at legal education and support of initiatives to enhance constitutional protections of fundamental freedoms. He was Chair of the parent council of St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto between 2004 and 2009. He has also acted as an executive member, discipline committee Chair, and rep hockey coach in the GTHL for over 15 years with the North York Knights hockey organization. Mr. Horgan received a Toronto Catholic District School Board Alumni Award in 2006.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark this year’s celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. It serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. Jean Morse-Chevrier, a Quebec director of the League, received the medal earlier this year.