The nation's longest grand jury investigation into priest abuse resulted in a scathing report last week, with Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham underscoring its seriousness: ''When we say abuse, we don't just mean inappropriate touching. We mean child rape.'' Going forward, what matters most is timely state legislative action to better address sex crimes committed against children by clergy and others. State Rep. Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh, had introduced a bill two months ago to reclassify sex crimes against minors, putting them in the same category as murder, for which a statute-of-limitations law doesn't apply. In addition to changes in the statute of limitations for criminal and civil cases, the grand jury in Philadelphia also recommended: Expand the offense of endangering the welfare of children to include those who directly employ or supervise caretakers of children. Increase the penalty for indecent assault when there is a pattern of abuse. Hold unincorporated associations — that would include an archdiocese — to the same standards as corporations for crimes involving sexual abuse of children.
Posted by Editor at September 27, 2005 08:41 AM