Although the State Assembly is not in session until next week, parishes throughout California are reminded to continue their efforts to defeat Senate Bill 131, legislation that repeals the statute of limitations for claims of childhood sexual abuse.SB 131, by Sen. Jim Beall of Campbell, would (effective Jan. 1, 2014) retroactively eliminate the civil statute of limitations against private schools and private employers in claims involving childhood sexual abuse. It calls for extending the statute of limitation to age 43 for a victim to sue the person who abused them. The California Catholic Conference is among the entities and organizations which oppose SB 131, asserting that the bill is discriminatory against both private institutions and victims who were allegedly abused in public institutions.“SB 131 will prevent most of today’s victims from ever getting their day in court,” the CCC states. “Victims who were abused by teachers or other public school workers are not covered by the bill. Public schools cannot be sued for any abuse that took place before 2009.”Also opposing SB 131 are the California Association of Private School Organizations, the California State Alliance of YMCAs, the California Police Activities League, the California Council of Nonprofit Organizations (CCNO), the California Association of Joint Power Authorities and other religious organizations and private schools.The effort — in Vietnamese, Korean, Spanish and English — is being coordinated by Deacons Manny Martinez, Scott Palmer and Manuel Valencia with the help of the regional deacons, working with pastors and deacons to make presentations on SB-131 at these parishes. The Senate passed the measure May 29, though opponents noted that the vote was only 21-10 in favor — just over half of the 40-member Senate saying “yes” — with eight abstentions (one seat is currently vacant). If approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee, it would be sent to the full Assembly. For more background on SB 131 and information on how to contact your Assembly Member, visit www.la-archdiocese.org and click on “Resources for Faithful Citizens.”To view the California Catholic Conference’s “Action Alert,” visit http://www.capwiz.com/cacatholic/issues/alert/?alertid=62719011 (for SB 131).Respect Life meetings slated in regionsParish Respect Life chairpersons, team and ministry members, and anyone interested in building a culture of life are invited to participate in Life Leadership Gatherings scheduled in each pastoral region in August.The meetings are to help coordinate parish and community activities for Respect Life Month in October, and prepare for action on current state and national legislation, said kathleen-domingo, Life coordinator in the Office of Life, Justice and Peace.The schedule:—Aug. 13: Our Lady of Angels Region, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Jerome Church, 5550 Thornburn St., Los Angeles.—Aug. 17: Santa Barbara Region, 10-11:15 a.m. at St. Mark's University Parish, 6550 Picasso Rd., Isla Vista, and 1-2:15 p.m. at St. Julie Billiart Church, 2475 Borchard Rd., Newbury Park.—Aug. 20: San Fernando Region, 6:30-8 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 18400 Kinzie St., Northridge.—Aug. 22: San Pedro Region, 7-8:30 p.m. at Mary Star of the Sea Church, 870 W. 8th St., San Pedro.—Aug. 27: San Gabriel Region, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Therese Church, 1100 E. Alhambra Rd., Alhambra.For information, call (213) 637-7236.
