A panel of Colorado lawmakers Thursday initially approved a bill that would remove the time limits for pursuing criminal cases and lawsuits against sexual abusers who prey on children.
The measure prompted three hours of “heart-wrenching, soul-searching” testimony from people who said they had been victims of childhood sexual abuse.
It also spawned a sharp response from Catholic Church officials who said House Bill 1088 unfairly targeted religious institutions while leaving short time limits in place for public schools.
“This is by no means a crusade against any church or organization,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Rosemary Marshall, a Denver Democrat who is Catholic. She said she simply wanted to get tough on sex abusers.
The bill would remove the 10-year time limit for bringing criminal charges and lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse.
But, as darkness fell outdoors, Rep. Terrance Carroll, D-Denver, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, let the debate wander.
For hours, victims of childhood sexual abuse, including visitors from California and Ohio, testified about surviving attacks by priests and teachers at Catholic schools. A Denver man who said he was abused by two priests in Detroit urged support of the bill.
“I feel like a bill like this one would give me a way to get these guys off the streets and away from kids,” said John Jeruzal of Denver.
Then, officials from the Catholic Church diverted the debate away from the time limit for pursuing a sexual-abuse case to the short time limits at public schools. Under state law, complainants have 180 days to file a claim against a school employee.
They provided a box of documents to prove that public-school teachers in Colorado have lost their licenses because of charges of sexual abuse. They offered a New York college professor who said the bill overlooks risks faced by public- school students.
After 2½ hours, Carroll interrupted the debate and apologized for allowing it to veer off course.
Marshall agreed to work with Rep. Lynn Hefley, R-Colorado Springs, on legislation that would consider the time limits related to public schools.
House Bill 1088 now goes to the full House of Representatives for review.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-820-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
