SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP): The bishop of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese says he disagrees with the University of Notre Dame’s decision to give its top award, the Laetare Medal, to Vice President Joe Biden given his positions on abortion and gay marriage.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades issued a statement Monday saying he believes it is wrong for Notre Dame to honor any public official who is pro-abortion rights with the Laetare Medal, even if he has other positive accomplishments in public service. Rhoades also says he questions the proprietary of honoring a “public official who was a major spokesman for the redefinition of marriage.”

The university earlier this month announced it would give Biden and former Speaker of the House John Boehner the medal for their leadership, civility and dedication to the nation.