Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HARRISBURG — Legislative Advances for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors in Pennsylvania
On Monday, the Pennsylvania House passed two significant proposals aimed at allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits beyond the state’s current statute of limitations. This legislative motion marks a pivotal step in a long-fought battle for justice by survivors and their advocates.
The first bill, which garnered a vote of 122-80, progresses to the GOP-controlled Senate for consideration. All Democratic representatives supported the bill, while a majority of Republicans expressed opposition. The second proposal seeks to pave the way for a constitutional amendment to be placed before voters. It passed with a 138-64 vote and also saw unanimous support from Democrats.
"This is about a group of survivors who have been denied access to our court system," stated Democratic Rep. Nate Davidson, a primary sponsor of the legislation. "We have the opportunity to finally get it right."
Both proposals had previously received House approval over two years ago but stalled in the Senate without action. The urgency for allowing survivors additional time to pursue legal recourse has gained traction following a landmark 2018 grand jury report detailing decades of child abuse committed by Roman Catholic clergy in Pennsylvania.
Survivors and advocates have been rallying for legislative changes to provide necessary avenues for justice, emphasizing the importance of addressing such historical injustices. The current developments represent a crucial moment in Pennsylvania’s legislative history as lawmakers grapple with the responsibilities and complexities of addressing childhood sexual abuse.
As these proposals move to the Senate for further deliberation, the hope remains strong among advocates that justice will soon be within reach for many who have long awaited it.
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