Opinion piece: S.B. 29’s application reaches beyond the Catholic Church

Letter to the editor, published in The News Journal, June 26, 2007

For those concerned citizens who believe that Senate Bill 29, the Child Victims Act, is a measure of protection that is limited to victims from within the Catholic faith organizations, I would pose one question.

If the public sector, or state agencies, are not included, then why would it be necessary to amend the legislation to include a fiscal note for insurance for the state to settle possible abuse claims?

Rep. Gregory Lavelle would have people believe that the sponsors of this bill were seeking to punish the church when, in fact, sponsors Sens. Karen Peterson and Rep. Deborah Hudson were seeking a fair and just opportunity for all victims to seek justice for these heinous crimes against all of our children regardless of who the abuser may be.

Congratulations to the members of the Legislature for seeing beyond Rep. Lavelle’s effort to derail this bill with his unnecessary sovereign immunity amendment.

Victoria Bandy, Wilmington