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Connecticut Bishops Oppose Ending Statute of Limitations On Child Sex Abuse Claims

By Howard M. Friedman

CNN reported yesterday that Catholic Bishops in Connecticut are urging parishioners to strongly oppose a bill pending in the state legislature that would remove the statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases. (Full text of HB 5473). A letter from the Bishops reads in part:

Over the past several years in states that have even temporarily eliminated the statutes, it has caused the bankruptcy of at least seven dioceses. House Bill 5473 would make Connecticut the only State without a statute of limitations. This bill would put all Church institutions, including your parish, at risk....

It is important to understand that the claims which could be made under House Bill 5473 might be 50, 60, 70 years old or older. Most often, these claims would be driven by a small number of trial lawyers hoping to profit from these cases. They would be difficult to defend because key individuals are deceased, memories have faded, and documents and other evidence have been lost.

The Diocese of Bridgeport has also posted A Call for Action and a FAQ about the bill.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on April 12, 2010 (boomark / email).