In 2012 , Vellacott nominated and awarded Queen 's Jubilee medals to Linda Gibbons and Mary Wagner , who had both been convicted of criminal offences related to their anti-abortion activism . Gibbons was arrested for repeated violations of injunctions against protesting in front of women 's health clinics . Mary Wagner was serving time in jail for mischief and violating court orders regarding women 's health clinics when she received her medal . When asked to comment on his decision to recognize these two women , Vellacott released a statement that referred to them as " heroines of humanity " , and justified his decision by stating : " It 's a pretty upside down world when we honour abortionists like Henry Morgentaler for killing over 5,000 babies and imprison precious women , like Mary Wagner and Linda Gibbons , who try to save babies from such savagery . They are the real heroes of humanity ! " Vellacott 's decision to bestow the Queen 's Jubilee Medal on Gibbon and Wagner has been praised by pro-life groups such as the Campaign Life Coalition , and the Catholic Register . Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae criticized Vellacott 's statements as inciting anti-abortion activists to break the law , which is itself a criminal offence in Canada
Queen 's Jubilee medals
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
Maurice Vellacott