London, England, May 17, 2009 / 15:09 pm
An honor established by the Queen of Great Britain to recognize distinguished service and gallantry on the former British colony of Trinidad and Tobago has been declared unlawful following complaints that its Christian name and cross insignia were offensive.
The Trinity Cross of the Order of Trinity was established by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969, the Times Online reports. It takes precedence over all other British decorations except the Victoria Cross and the Gorge Cross.
The decoration has been received by 62 people including cricket stars, novelist V.S. Naipaul, and many of the islands’ leading politicians and diplomats. It is the highest national honor of Trinidad and Tobago.
However, some of those nominated have refused to accept it because of questions about its overtly Christian nature.