CALIFORNIA
Daily Bulletin
By Robert Weiner and Katie Schulze
POSTED: 07/14/16
The Justice for Victims Act, which has gained traction by passing the state Senate before the summer recess and is ready to be voted on by the Assembly, gives California the chance to take a strong stance against the Catholic Church’s ongoing cover-up of child sexual abuse.
Minnesota has passed a similar bill, but California’s enactment would not only protect children here but send shock waves across the country.
It is important the bill sponsored by Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino, maintains its momentum and is passed by the Assembly in August before its adjournment for the year.
The bill, SB 813, would end the statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes and allow indefinite criminal prosecution of perpetrators. Sen. Leyva assures critics the bill “would in no way change the burden of proof, though it would simply offer victims additional time to come to terms with the horrible crime committed against them.” The Church has lobbied extensively to block extension of the statute of limitations and ensure the perpetrator is able to go unscathed.
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