22 Sep 2016

Thousands sign petition opposing sex abuse bill in Guam

12:27 pm on 22 September 2016

The Catholic Church in Guam has collected more than 4,000 signatures for a petition opposing a bill that could expose it to sexual abuse lawsuits.

Pacific News Center reports the Church has delivered the petition calling on Governor Eddie Calvo to veto the bill to his office.

It collected 4,500 signatures in four days for the petition.

The bill lifting the statute of limitations for civil action on child sex abuse claims was passed unanimously by the Guam legislature last week.

The Church says it will go bankrupt if the bill becomes law.

In the past few months Archbishop Anthony Apuron and other clergy members have been accused of abusing altar boys decades ago.

Governor Calvo has until Friday to sign the bill.

Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Guam

Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Guam Photo: 123rf

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