The Boston Globe reports today that over 60 co-sponsors have been obtained for a bill that would partially eliminate Massachusetts' current $20,000 limit on liability for churches and other non-profits. (Gen. L. Mass., Chap. 231, Sec. 85K). The proposed change in the state's charitable immunity law would apply to cases involving sexual abuse of minors, and comes as new negotiations for settlement between sex abuse victims and the Boston Archdiocese were reported. The legislative change would follow similar action last month by New Jersey. (See prior posting.)
Three other bills affecting the Catholic Church have also been introduced into the Massachusetts legislature, but face opposition. Two would restructure the state's statute of limitations in civil and criminal cases involving sexual abuse of minors. A fourth bill, already approved by the Massachusetts Senate, is scheduled for House consideration this month. It would require financial reporting to the attorney general by religious organizations. (See prior posting.) The Massachusetts Catholic Conference particularly opposes the proposed changes in the statute of limitations. Its executive director, Edward Saunders, said, ''The position for the church is that it is opposed to any legislation that crosses the lines of separation of church and state." He said the organization opposes elimination of the statute of limitations for sex abuse because ''as time goes by there is a weakening of testimony and evidence."
