BishopAccountability.org

Child sex abuse victims rally for change

By Jordan Tracy
We Are Central PA
April 03, 2017

http://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/child-sex-abuse-victims-rally-for-change/686446654

[with video]

Harrisburg, Pa - Thousands of blue flags and signs decorated the Pennsylvania State Capitol. The demonstration is not just to honor survivors of child sex abuse, but urge lawmakers to change the statute of limitations bill.

"Any bill that passes without a retroactive provision for victims of childhood sex abuse is a raw deal," shouted Rep. Mark Rozzi.

Rozzi, who is abused by a priest in his church, was among the people who led Monday's rally in Harrisburg. The current Senate bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for child abuse crimes, but it does not include a retroactive provision to include past victims.

"We all represent different sides on this bill. Anyone who supports this bill represents victims. If you don't represent, if you don't support retroactivity, then you are supporting perpetrators, institutions, insurance companies, so you have to pick your side here," said Rozzi.

Shaun Doughtery, who was abused by a priest in Johnstown, also attended the rally. He believes there is enough support for the retroactive provision. He currently has a petition of 75,000 signatures that he is trying to get in front of lawmakers.

"We already have the support with the members of the House. We already have the support with the members of the Senate. It's the leadership, let me say that word again, Leadership, that's holding this back," said Doughtery.

Doughtery has been highly critical of Senator Joe Scarnati, who has called the retroactive position unconstitutional.

On Tuesday a committee vote is expected to take place on whether the state House will seek to change the law by adding the retroactive measure.




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