California's Catholic bishops support court challenge to abuse claims law

San Francisco, Calif., Jul 18, 2004 / 22:00 pm

California's Roman Catholic bishops announced their support July 16 for a case in a San Diego federal court, which asserts that a California law is unconstitutional.

The law in question gave a one-year window for alleged victims of sexual abuse to file claims against Catholic parishes, schools and other institutions.

“The California Legislature singled out the Catholic Church, declared it guilty and imposed penalties on it," the bishops said in a statement.

The bishops also argued that the law is unconstitutional because it revives litigation that has been settled. More than 700 suits were filed during 2003, some dating back 70 years, reported The Associated Press.

The bishops pointed out another injustice in the law, stating that allegations, which date back decades, cannot be easily investigated by the Church, thereby making a solid defense almost impossible.