The bill by New York State Assemblywoman Margaret Markey that would suspend the statute of limitations for one year for cases of child sexual abuse (victims must be 53 or younger) will not pass this year unless a special session is called and the bill is put to a vote.
Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented on the bill’s fate:
Right now it looks like this badly conceived legislation is dead in the water. But were it to pass eventually, I renew my pledge today to spend whatever it takes to alert the residents of New York State of their right to sue the public schools if they were ever sexually abused by one of its employees (provided they meet the conditions outlined in the bill).
Some have questioned my motive. Let me end the suspense: I am fed up with unscrupulous lawyers and their well-greased professional victims’ groups seeking to plunder the Catholic Church. Now that public institutions are finally included in the Markey bill, it is only just that potential claimants be informed of their rights. And guess what? A reality check has already taken place. Opposing the Markey bill are the New York State School Boards Association, the New York State Council of School Superintendents, and other civic groups.
Here’s more. An AP story today says 700 public school teachers in New York City are being paid full salaries to sit around doing such things as yoga and playing Scrabble while their cases are being investigated. The accusations include sexual abuse.
Still more. Today’s New York Daily News has a story about a teacher’s aide who was busted for molesting a first grader; the 6-year old girl is thought to be the third victim of the same employee. And so what have they done to him? He’s been reassigned to a desk job.
And people wonder why the Catholic League is pulling out all the stops. Believe me, we will never yield on our pledge.
Susan A. Fani is the Director of Communications for the Catholic League. This press release was originally issued on June 23, 2009.
