Victims of childhood sexual abuse no longer would face time limits to file lawsuits against institutions – public or private – that harbor perpetrators, under a bill initially approved Wednesday by the Colorado House.
The debate avoided the emotional charges that some lawmakers were trying to bash the Catholic Church until a last-minute attempt to limit legal awards to $250,000 prompted a sharp exchange between lawmakers.
“When children have been abused by a person in a position of trust, especially when that person presents themselves as a representative of God, that child becomes so confused and so troubled, they take on the shame and the humiliation,” said Rep. Gwyn Green, D-Golden, sponsor of House Bill 1090.
Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, one of the amendment’s sponsors, promptly responded.
“Witness after witness came before our committee saying this is not about money, this is about having the right to justice,” he said. “We heard that representatives of God may be to blame. If we allow that kind of language to continue in this chamber, this will be about something it’s not intended to be.”
The amendment failed 26-37, with Republican Reps. Lauri Clapp of Centennial and Al White of Winter Park joining the 35 Democrats opposed.
The bill passed on a voice vote and faces a final House vote, perhaps as soon as today.
Most of the religious overtones that had shaped previous debate on the bill had been defused earlier this month when Green agreed to include public schools and other institutions in the bill.
The current statute of limitations for sex offenses is 10 years, with a longer limitation if the victim is a juvenile under 18 years of age. In the case of children, the statute of limitations is extended by 10 years after the juvenile reaches 18 years of age.
Green’s bill would lift the statute of limitations in cases involving children.
Two other bills are also pending. One would lift the time limits for filing criminal lawsuits. Another bill would open a two-year window in the statute of limitations for past child victims of sexual abuse.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-820-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
