NEW YORK
Forward
Sam Kestenbaum
May 19, 2016
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday backed a bill that would make it easier for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice from their abusers as adults.
By bowing to repeated calls by victims and advocates, Cuomo removes a significant roadblock to the reform measure, although it remains to be seen if lawmakers will pass it.
“This is an incredibly important issue and we are serious about addressing it this [legislative] session,” said Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi, according to the Daily News . “We have been discussing options with the Legislature, have met with advocates and survivors, and are meeting with them again (Thursday).”
Cuomo had previously dodged questions from both the press and activists as to whether he would support current legislation, known as the Child Victims Act, which would eliminate New York’s statute of limitations for sexual abuse, one of the shortest in the nation. Currently, survivors have until their 23rd birthday to bring forward legal claims about their abuse.
Over 100 Jewish leaders, including rabbis from all major denominations , are lobbying in support of the legislation. A significant contingent of Jewish backers claim to have been abused by rabbis or teachers in religious schools as children.
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