Black clergy, NOW oppose Church over statute of limitations bill

April 22, 2009

The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) and the New York chapter of the National Organization of Women have announced their support for legislation that would lift the statute of limitations in abuse cases for a year. “It is a shame we have to fight against the Church in this,” said NBCI’s president. “It breaks my heart.”

New York State Catholic Conference spokesman Dennis Poust said, “Most legislatures have seen it for what it is: an unfair, bad bill that selectively targets religious and private institutions, and gives a free pass to public institutions where the majority of the abuse occurs.”

State Rep. Margaret Markey, the legislation’s chief sponsor, said at an April 21 press conference that she decided to draft the legislation after a friend of her children alleged abused by his parish priest years ago.

 

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Further information:

• Pol behind sex abuse bill knows a victim's anguish (Newsday)
• Abuse survivors: Markey bill our best chance at justice (Newsday)
• Sex-abuse legislation gains backing (Newsday)
• Competing bills (Newsday)
• New York governor uncomfortable with lifting of statute of limitations (CWN)