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Local Attorney on Priest Abuse: "I Think There's a Bigger Issue"

By Renee Allen
KLFY TV
February 20, 2019

https://www.klfy.com/news/local/local-attorney-on-priest-abuse-i-think-there-s-a-bigger-issue-/1797476034

There are both survivors and attorneys committed to standing up against priests accused of sexual abuse.

Attorney Anthony Fontana, Jr. of Abbeville has tried one of the first priests in U.S. history to be convicted of child molestation.

"I believe the church has created an atmosphere of sexual abuse tolerance; and created an expectation that we're going to protect you,” Fontana said.

Fontana has one clear emotion about clergy accused of sexual abuse. Fontana says there needs to be some secular oversight.

"A secular group that runs the church parishes and priests run the spirituality. Any complaints go to the secular group and they have mandatory reporters; and turn it over to police."

Fontana talks about his stance on the summit and the Pope's acknowledgement to address the issue of clergy sexual abuse. "Are we exposing it to protect the kids or to please the public? Or is there a bigger issue? I think there's a bigger issue to protect the good religious," Fontana said.

Fontana say he requested that the Diocese of Lafayette release the names and personnel records of those with credible accusations. "I had enough of all this. I'm tired and we're going to expose it," Fontana added.

 

 

 

 

 




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