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What:
Frustrated and angry at state lawmakers’ inaction, victims of child sexual abuse and concerned Catholics will hold two events;
- a “Victims Speak Out” hearing – At least 50 victims & supporters will tell about their abuse and how Ohio’s kids could be better protected, and
- a candle light vigil outside in front of the State Capitol. (At least 50 folks to attend)
When:
Wednesday, November 9, 2:00 p.m. hearing and 6:30 p.m. candle light vigil
Where:
2:00 – 4:00 PM in the Vern Riffe Building (hearing with testimony) 3rd Floor Lobby (77 S High Street)
6:30 – 7:30 PM outside State Capitol (vigil with candles) High Street Entrance (Across from 77 S High Street)
Who:
Dozens of men and women who have been molested and their supporters. Many will be members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, and the state-wide advocacy group, OCOSA, Ohio Coalition On Sexual Abuse, and a Catholic reform group called VOTF, Voice of the Faithful.
Visuals:
At the Hearing: The group will hold signs and childhood photos, and face empty chairs with the names of House Judiciary Committee members taped to them.
At the Vigil: The group will hold burning candles, signs and childhood photos.
Why:
In March, the Ohio Senate held hearings and unanimously passed Senate Bill 17, which makes it easier for victims to expose and take legal action against the adults who sexually assault them. But after eight months of delay, House leaders still refuse to even hold a hearing on the measure.
Ohio’s Catholic bishops are opposing a key part of the bill, the one year civil “window,” which allows victims to warn others about dangerous sexual predators through the courts.
Frustrated by this stalling, victims and their supporters will hold their own emotional hearing. Afterwards, participants will go door-to-door through legislators’ offices trying to talk with politicians and leaving material in their offices. At 6:30 p.m., they will hold a Candlelight Vigil in front of the State Capitol.
All of Ohio’s representatives have been invited to attend the events.
On Thursday, the Judiciary Committee will hear three constitutional experts discuss the bill. SNAP members are convinced, however, that alleged constitutional concerns are ‘smokescreens” and that lawmakers should act now to protect kids, and let the courts do their job later and rule on the bill after it becomes law.
Contact:
David Clohessy of SNAP 314 566 9790
Barbara Blaine of SNAP 312 399 4747
Kris Ward, National Vice President Voice of the Faithful, 937 272 0308
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