Social conservatives object to Desmond Tutu honor at Gonzaga

SPOKANE, Wash. — Social conservatives are objecting to plans by Gonzaga University, a Catholic institution, to give Archbishop Desmond Tutu an honorary degree when he makes a campus appearance in May.

They are objecting because the Nobel laureate's social views contradict Catholic teachings, including support for abortion rights and gay marriage.

More than 700 Gonzaga alumni, staff, faculty and students have signed petitions protesting Tutu's campus appearance and the university's plans to give him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

A statement from the college highlights the archbishop's fight against apartheid and said the college is honored Tutu accepted its invitation.