April 27, 2006

Sex-abuse lawsuit bill advances

DENVER (CO)
Denver Post

By Mark P. Couch
Denver Post Staff Writer

Victims of childhood sex abuse would get more time to file lawsuits against institutions that hid their alleged abusers under a bill narrowly approved Wednesday by the Colorado Senate.

The measure, which has been the target of a vehement opposition campaign led by the Catholic Church, faces a final vote as soon as today.

Four Republicans joined 14 Democrats on the initial vote. Four Democrats joined the remaining 13 Republicans opposing the bill. Gov. Bill Owens has not said what he will do if the bill reaches his desk.

House Bill 1090 would relax time limits for lawsuits against public and private institutions that shield alleged pedophiles.

The bill was amended Wednesday to open a one-year window for cases in which the time limit expired, on crimes dating back to 1971. Also, private institutions could no longer insist on confidentiality clauses in legal settlements with victims.

Posted by kshaw at April 27, 2006 06:43 AM