Awarding such an honour to a person who has repeatedly and publicly stated very homophobic sentiments such as linking natural disasters with pride events and AIDS with what he termed "sodomy" that some might easily argue constitute hate speech suggests that such sentiments are acceptable to hold and voice publicly in a developed society like our own. The awarding of this respected honour to a person with such a reputation not only gives the impression that their opinions are valid, but devalues the entire system of honours by association to these toxic sentiments. If Mr. Mills were to retain this honour, the repect that accompanies it might become a thing of the past.