30. september
2023
kl.
06:28
Baltimore’s Catholic Diocese files for bankruptcy before abuse lawsuit law
Baltimore’s Catholic Diocese has filed for bankruptcy two days before a new law that removes the statute of limitations for child abuse lawsuits takes effect.
The bankruptcy filing is prompted by a law passed by the Maryland state assembly that allows victims of sexual assault to file new lawsuits regardless of how long ago the assault took place.
Maryland’s attorney general has said there are more than 600 known church abuse victims in the state.
The bankruptcy will allow the diocese to fairly compensate the victims, while allowing the church to continue operating, says a statement from Archbishop William Lori.
Furthermore, the church claims that the easiest thing for all parties would be to enter into a settlement separately with victims who wish to do so, because after the law comes into force the church would otherwise use all its resources to deal with the lawsuits.
Advocates for the victims of the abuse accuse the church of protecting itself and concealing the victims by moving the cases to bankruptcy courts. (NTB)
2023-09-30 04:28:57
#Baltimores #Catholic #Diocese #files #bankruptcy #abuse #lawsuit #law
