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U.S. NEWS Wednesday 28 February

Bill spurred by Nassar scandal concerns Catholic Church

Nassar victim, told mem- time a survivor is able to isn't there but because of
bers of the state Senate speak and to seek help, by a legal technicality. She
Judiciary Committee on the time justice could be challenged arguments
Tuesday. She said the me- done against their abuser, that extending the statute
dian ages for women and the avenues of justice both of limitations would make it
men to disclose abuse from criminally and civilly have too easy to hold innocent
childhood are 41 and 38. completely cut off — and parties’ liable because so
"This means that by the not because the evidence much time has passed.q

In this Feb. 5, 2018 photo, Larry Nassar listens during his sentenc-
ing at Eaton County Circuit Court in Charlotte, Mich.
(Cory Morse/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)

By DAVID EGGERT gymnast Jordyn Wieber
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A and other Nassar accusers
Michigan bill inspired by the and victims helped unveil
Larry Nassar scandal that the bills at the Capitol.
would retroactively extend Currently, people who are
the amount of time child sexually abused as children
victims of sexual abuse in Michigan generally have
have to sue their abusers is until their 19th birthdays to
drawing concerns from the sue. Under the legislation ,
Catholic Church, which has child victims could sue un-
paid out billions of dollars til their 48th birthdays while
to settle U.S. clergy abuse those assaulted in adult-
cases. hood would have 30 years
Michigan Catholic Con- to file a claim from the time
ference spokesman Dave of the abuse.
Maluchnick confirmed Past bills to give victims
Tuesday that extending the more access to the legal
statute of limitations is "of system have stalled in Mich-
concern" to the church's igan, partly because of op-
lobbying arm, but he with- position from the Catholic
held further comment until Conference. Advocates
the bill's impact could be for change say giving vic-
fully reviewed. He said the tims just a year to sue after
group supports other parts turning 18 protects child
of a 10-bill package intro- molesters because survi-
duced Monday, including vors often wait to report the
a measure that would add abuse due to fear or be-
more people to the list of cause they repressed it.
those who must report sus- "The harsh reality is that in
pected abuse to child pro- most cases, survivors of sex-
tective services. ual assault are too deeply
A state Senate panel quick- traumatized to be able to
ly passed the measure later speak out and pursue jus-
Tuesday, a day after Olym- tice until decades later,"
pic gold medal-winning Rachael Denhollander, a