Victims, Roman Catholic Church spar over NY sex abuse bill

[Heddi]

http://www.startribune.com/victims-roman-catholic-church-spar-over-ny-sex-abuse-bill/415421384/

New York legislation to relax one of the nation's most restrictive statutes of limitations on child molestation victims continues to stall under pressure from the Roman Catholic Church and other opponents.

The bill has circled the drain in Albany for a decade, but victims and advocates are optimistic this year because they've gained a key supporter, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The fate of the Child Victims Act could rest with Senate Leader John Flanagan, a Long Island Republican, who supporters say has refused to meet to discuss the bill.

"They are denying us our day in court," said Bridie Farrell, 35, a former competitive speed skater and a leading advocate for the bill.

Four years ago Farrell publicly accused a former teammate and mentor of repeatedly abusing her when he was 33 and she was 15 — too long ago to file charges or a civil suit. "They are protecting the institutions of the abusers."

...
The Roman Catholic Church is the most vocal opponent of the New York bill, saying the one-year window for civil suits alleging abuse would financially devastate the church, already reeling from the expense of earlier legal settlements. The New York Archdiocese is seeking to mortgage land it owns near St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan to raise $100 million for settlements.

Instead, the state's Catholic Conference supports alternative legislation that would eliminate the criminal statute of limitations on child sex crimes and give victims until they are 28 to file civil suits. It would not create a window for civil molestation lawsuits now barred by the statute of limitations.

...
She noted that lawmakers often tout their work to toughen penalties for sex offenders, and the Senate has voted to adjust the statute of limitations when it comes to exposure to environmental contaminants or Agent Orange.

"Don't victims of child sexual abuse have the same right?" she said. "I'm willing to fight as long as it takes."

[guillaumeb]

1. In my opinion, there should be no statute of limitation for victims of child sex abuse.

Proving cases long after the alleged molestation occurred might be difficult, but too many abusers count on the victims being too traumatized to complain.

[rug]

2. So does the NYCLU.

https://www.nyclu.org/en/legislation/legislative-memo-statute-limitations-expansion-certain-sex-offenses

You seem to think this is a Catholic issue, Heddi. Keep flogging it.

[Lordquinton]

3. The RCC has the money

and they work hard to hide it, and protect the abusers. No one from that church can claim any kind of higher moral standing.

[trotsky]

4. Any thinking, compassionate person understands why the RCC is doing this.

Hint: it's not because they care about their institution's victims.

[Goblinmonger]

5. Yup

They certainly feel free to impose their beliefs on US law when it helps their pocketbook.