Bill Addressing Child Sex Abuse Cases Should Be Signed

Pacific Daily News
September 19, 2016

http://www.guampdn.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/09/19/our-view-bill-addressing-child-sex-abuse-cases-should-signed/90678070/

Sen. Frank Blas Jr., R-Barrigada, center, speaks after receiving a petition with more than 3,000 signatures from Silent No More campaign founder Joe Santos, during a brief ceremony at the Guam Legislature in Hagatna on Sept. 8. The signatures were gathered in an effort to raise awareness about the removal of the statute of limitations on civil suits regarding sexual abuse of children. Blas, who is running for re-election, introduced Bill 326 to address the issue.

The bill that aims to lift the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases should become law.

It’s a good bill that would help victims of child sexual abuse seek justice. For that reason, the bill has widespread support in the Legislature and community.

Sen. Frank Blas Jr. introduced Bill 326-33 a few months ago, after several people stepped forward with allegations of clergy sexual abuse. If the bill becomes law, it could allow accusers to sue individuals and institutions.

Earlier this month, a petition with more than 3,000 signatures was given to Blas in favor of the bill.

After the bill was unanimously passed last week, it was sent to Gov. Eddie Calvo for signing. The governor’s decision is due Friday.

Supporters of the bill were heartened until this weekend when Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai lobbied against the signing of it. He said the bill would expose the archdiocese to unlimited financial liability and bankruptcy.

Hon raises a valid concern about the impact of potential lawsuits, which could affect ministry and services. But dioceses that filed for bankruptcy were given opportunities to restructure and to recover.

The timing of Hon’s lobbying raises questions. Why didn’t he speak up when the bill was being revised? Why did he wait until after the bill was passed?

If Hon had raised his concerns earlier, there could have been more time to address them and to allay fears.

The legislation on Guam comes at a time when more jurisdictions are recognizing that institutions that cover up abuse should be held responsible just as individuals are.

States have used two basic approaches to addressing clergy sex abuse allegations that are years or decades old. Some created temporary one-time windows to file lawsuits; others abolished statutes of limitations.

Our island community has much to do to address such allegations. We urge Calvo to sign the bill as a step in the right direction.