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Extension for sex-abuse victims fails again
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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Facing staunch opposition from the Catholic Church, Del. Eric Bromwell withdrew a bill this week that would have suspended time limits for sex-abuse victims to file lawsuits against their alleged molesters.
Under existing law, civil suits for child sex-abuse claims must be filed by the victim’s 25th birthday. Bromwell’s bill — which was co-sponsored by five other lawmakers — would have opened 2009 to lawsuits, regardless of the victim’s age. After 2009, the statute of limitations would extend until the victim’s 50th birthday.
Bromwell initially proposed the bill to help victims who are often not ready to come forward until decades after their abuse. He said Wednesday he would give “serious consideration” to sponsoring it during the next General Assembly session. It is the second year in a row that the bill died.
“I got a lot of feedback, positive and negative,” the Baltimore County Democrat said.
The Maryland Catholic Conference lobbied heavily against the bill, arguing a similar window enacted in California had bankrupted two dioceses. Bromwell’s bill unfairly exempts government entities and does nothing to protect children from abuse, said Richard Dowling, executive director of the conference.
If enacted, the proposal would have cost Catholic parishes, schools and social services such as medical clinics, homeless shelters and employment centers millions of dollars to fund decades-old lawsuits, he said.
“I think we are doing the right thing,” Dowling said. “Legislation of this kind is being advocated in state legislatures across the country by avaricious attorneys who have already made fortunes by suing the church on this same issue.”
Bromwell’s bill was assigned a March 20 hearing date, which he said left little time to generate support before the end of the legislative session.
Victims advocating the proposal said Bromwell’s bill, at the least, generated discussion.
“We told everyone from the get-go this may take a few years to get through,” said Susan O’Brien, an Annapolis lobbyist representing Child Victim Voices. “The important thing is, it doesn’t change the determination of the survivors.”
jmalarkey@baltimoreexaminer.com
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Examiner Reader said:
No other religious denomination has opposed legislation in any state as vigorously as the institutional Roman Catholic Church.
3 agree | 0 disagree
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Patty Rase Hopson said:
Sexual Abuse is not just a "CATHOLIC ISSUE". Stop allowing the Catholic Church to influence the lawmakers. Lawmakers are suppost to be making laws that protects ALL the Citizens...There should be NO Discrimination against victims of sexual abuse, because of their religion... Priest are just a small portion of the Pie of Predators. When you take the power away from the Catholic Church to influence lawmakers, then you may see laws change that protect ALL victims (no matter what their religion) not the molesters.
10 agree | 0 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
the priest that abused all our children pluse dozens of others was put on stand plus 2 bishops and several priests with hands on the bible each one lied the frist bishop was found out he molested 15 smallboys years ago the second bishop came tohelp cover up then is sent to rome as acardinal our recent bishop buys everynews media or court attoreties or any one that has inside knowdge that has never been devuldged
28 agree | 6 disagree
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owlafaye said:
Financially punishing the Catholic Church will diminish their social services? I should certainly hope so. Why do people suck up this Catholic double talk so readily? I hope you pay VERY careful attention to any item released to the media by the Catholic church. The lie of: The awful prosecutions against the Holy Mother Church 300 years ago (aprox. 1985 to 2025) by influential enemies of the church bent on destroying the chaste reputations of our clergy were thwarted by the efforts of the faithful and in time the criminals against the church were brought to justice. This is the LIE that the Catholic Church has ALREADY BEGUN...this is the day by day procedure of the church since its inception 1600 years ago. The Catholic Church is a well conceived LIE. Even EVIL will use good acts to further the cause of EVIL. Pay Attention!
21 agree | 20 disagree
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Sister Maureen Paul Turlish said:
It is sad that Maryland's HB 858 was withdraw and that such lies were told about dire consequences. Chapter 11 does not imply real bankruptcy, it's reorganization. A diocese can't be bankrupt when it is opeening a new cathedral at the same time, can it? But there will be an opportunity next session. I urge everyone in Maryland to visit the Delaware Child Victims Coalition website, which remains active, and learn from our success. Samples of real letters to write, e-mails, letters to the editorial, suggestions for Opinion Pieces in the newspaper, phone call scripts, flyers to put on windshields or give out in front of churches - it is all there. Look at the list of sponsors that we had, non-profits, professional people and religious organizations. ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE!
27 agree | 30 disagree
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Patty Rase Hopson said:
I wish Everyone would realize that Sexual Abuse is Not just a"CATHOLIC ISSUE"Statistics show us it happens in the homes, more often then in the Church.If you are going to get laws passed that truly protect innocent children Stop Making it a CATHOLIC ISSUE.Ohio Catholic Counsel proved that they are more powerful then any other organization and can FUND the lobbyist to knock down these one year windows. Don't give the CATHOLIC CHURCH that Power.I am an adult survivor of Childhood sexual abuse, abused by my uncle.Currently I await my case to be heard in the Courts in Ohio,To put my molester on the NEW OHIO CIVIL REGISTRY that was recommended by The OHIO CATHOLIC COUNSEL to replace the 1 yr window.This Registry took effect on 8/06.To Date their is not one person on this registry.Check the OH AG's website, not one is listed. Several cases have already been thrown out of courts.I am still awaiting the out come of mine.SEXAUL ABUSE IS NOT A CATHOLIC ISSUE IT Effects us all! Patty Rase Hops
39 agree | 7 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
all offenders need to be punished equally, not just Catholics more than the rest. this is how the bill was wrongly written, and why it didn't pass. it was biggotted.
27 agree | 8 disagree
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Udo Strutynski said:
It is misleading to claim that reparations for sex abuse now barred by statutes of limitation in various states would bankrupt Catholic dioceses, or at least diminish their social services. Financial control of these activities lies fully and exclusively in the hands of the Church. Cutting Catholic welfare programs is no more necessary than cutting clerical benefits, but opting against welfare additionally benefits the culpable Church by angering the faithful laity, and turning them against the victims of clerical crimes. Revictimization is something the hierarchical Church is very good at. That, and hanging on to their material perks. This Organization is speaking and living the Big Lie, and gullible secular government leaders are falling for it. Or, is this simply a matter of Power protecting itself, no matter what form it takes? It almost makes it necessary to invent a 'God' Who will help decent folk!
24 agree | 27 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
This article is not about the victims of abuse.It is about money and greed.
25 agree | 24 disagree
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Theresa Doyle said:
As a parent of 3 who were raised Catholic as my husband and I were I support punishment of abuse by laity or clergy. The "church" must be a safe & respected place for ALL. I am disillusioned and ashamed that those who proclaim to be ministers of Christ could treat His children so disrespectfully. Calvert Hall will loose it's integrity if it values and protects unchristian behaviors as has happened to save itself from financial burdens. Who are they rendering to? Ceasar or Christ?? Abuse is illegal and immoral - the end - and must be punished. Karma bites.
31 agree | 16 disagree
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Rev. James F. Moran, Priest and Victim of Abuse said:
Folks, let us please keep a wider vision on this topic of legislation -- we ar enot jus tlooking at vicitms of CLERGY abuse here -- the legislation is for children of ALL sexual abuse. Do we want to give the children the opportunity for healing and closure should they be the unfortunate victims of sexual abuse? Living with the memory and not being able to seek justice makes for a very troubled life. Let's give the kids a chance in the future -- a chance that many today do not have.
46 agree | 34 disagree
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Joe McMorrow said:
As a parent of a sexual abuse survivor, I strongly support this legislation. By God's grace my son reached a place of disclosure within 2 years of the incidents. It was only through the power of a civil action that he was able to learn the truth of what little was done in response to his reporting his abuse, the history of his abuser with young boys that had been concealed, and the lack of concern of this priest's leaders to see the truth and intervene to protect other children. Only through this legal recourse has the unpleasant, hurtful truth come out which has allowed some closure for my son and our entire family. The emotional damage of childhood sexual abuse, which is widely known by medical professionals and other interested parties, to be an impediment to disclosure and healing last decades, should not be the tool which allows predators to be unaccountable. I know in my heart what Jesus' position would be on such legislation.
36 agree | 34 disagree
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Concerned said:
Closing Calvert Hall is not the answer. Calvert Hall is a wonderful school. But the actions of Father Jeff, Father Brett, Joanne Kahn and the alleged abuse by Brother Xavier are clearly a black mark on the school. If there are other victims, I just hope they will now have an opportunity to come forward. They are not alone.
35 agree | 18 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
An attorney in Boston MA has studied sexual abuse victims and has found that a person abused by family member, neighbor, classmate etc takes an average of 20-30 years to recognize that they had been abused and that they have been "damaged" by it. A person abused by a "person of authority" (Minister, police, doctor, athletic coach etc) takes 30-40 years to recognize the same. PLEASE enact laws that will help people. The current laws PUNISH the victims. Fr. Jim Moran, Priest and Victim of Clergy Abuse
38 agree | 15 disagree
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