Sex-abuse survivors press for repeal of R.I.’s 7-year limit on suits

RHODE ISLAND
Providence Journal

By Katherine Gregg
Journal Political Writer
kathyprojo

May 3, 2018

“Nowhere in the teachings of Jesus Christ did he ever say that it’s okay for men in collars to rape kids,″ said Dr. Herbert “Hub” Brennan, 60, the internal medical doctor who once chaired the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission who, on Thursday night, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee as a victim-survivor.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Victims of sexual abuse by priests and other trusted elders returned to the State House — for the second time this year — to plead with lawmakers to repeal Rhode Island’s seven-year statute of limitations on the pursuit of legal claims against perpetrators of sex crimes against minors.

“Nowhere in the teachings of Jesus Christ did he ever say that it’s okay for men in collars to rape kids,″ said Dr. Herbert “Hub” Brennan, 60, the internal medical doctor who once chaired the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission who, on Thursday night, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee as a victim-survivor.

“The only way to stop these people is to have them have the fear that sooner or later they are going to get named,″ echoed another victim-survivor, Dr. Ann Hagan Webb, the sister of the lead legislative sponsor of the bill, Rep. Carol McEntee, D-South Kingstown.

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