Connecticut bishops urge Catholics to oppose bill lifting statute of limitations

April 12, 2010

In a letter read at all Masses in Connecticut on April 10 and 11, the state’s bishops urged Catholics to oppose legislation that would lift the statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases.

“Connecticut already has the longest retroactive statute in the United States-- 30 years past the age of 18,” the bishops note. “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,” the bishops add. “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.”

 

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Further information:

• Connecticut bishops’ letter on House Bill 5473 (Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference)
• Connecticut bishops fight sex abuse bill (CNN)