As Margaret Somerville stood to accept an honorary doctorate in science at Ryerson University yesterday, several faculty members on stage behind her turned their backs in protest.
Donning rainbow flags and necklaces, the professors lifted a banner that read "My Ryerson honours equal rights," a silent but strong message against the controversial ethicist for her opposition to same-sex marriage.
It was also condemnation of the downtown Toronto university for honouring her, one protester said.
"We were turning our backs on honouring homophobia," said image arts professor Lila Pine, one of two instructors holding the banner. "Nobody's opposed to her right to express her own views; we're opposed to honouring those views because they're really against the core values of Ryerson, which embraces human rights."
When Dr. Somerville took the stage, a lone voice yelled the only vocal condemnation heard at the convocation ceremony, "You should be ashamed of yourself."
A steady applause began in the packed auditorium as Dr. Somerville was hooded, although it wasn't clear if it was meant for her or the demonstrators standing quietly in the middle of the stage.
In an interview shortly after the ceremony, Dr. Somerville said it was a difficult experience. She said it was sad to see her opinions cause anguish but she remained unbowed.
"It's been a roller-coaster ride, a lot of anxiety on the part of Ryerson and for myself," the McGill University professor of medicine and law said. "I really don't like hurting people and I'm sad it's come to that. But I believe I must stand behind my views."
The timing of yesterday's bestowal added to the controversy: It was the first day of Pride Week festivities, striking a sensitive chord in an institution bordering the city's gay village. About 100 activists for gay rights lined Gerrard Street as the procession of graduates entered the university's theatre. Decked out in rainbow apparel and some carrying placards, protesters delivered their message calmly and orderly.
Dr. Somerville rejected critics' labelling of her as homophobic. She said she fully supports gays' rights to civil union but opposes same-sex marriage. It erodes the role marriage plays in child-rearing and can increase the risk of children never knowing their biological parents, she said.
The ethicist's appearance in Toronto put to rest speculation she might not attend the ceremony amid the controversy and the university administration's wavering on whether to bestow the honour.
"I seriously considered not coming," she said. "I didn't want them conferring a degree on me while holding their noses up."
Ryerson president Sheldon Levy praised Dr. Somerville and defended the university's handling of the situation and its policy on awarding doctorates.
"This degree was never ever meant to make anyone feel badly or hurt," said Mr. Levy. "What I do believe is that Professor Somerville has got the credentials and the credibility that validated her honorary degree."
The honorary degree is the fifth for Dr. Somerville, renowned internationally for her work on research ethics in science and medicine, and for having published numerous articles, essays and books on issues ranging from euthanasia to stem cell research.
Mr. Levy said the committee that awards honorary degrees will be evaluating its procedures but that he doesn't expect its policy to change.
Some students felt the faculty's protest was over the top and took away from the real reason for the convocation.
"I had no problem with her getting the degree," said Michael Cleste, a 22-year-old graduate of architectural science.
"When the teachers hoisted the banner and turned their backs it was a bit disrespectful. We're here to graduate, not to protest."