Protester calls for Portland diocese to stop contesting sexual abuse lawsuits

 

January 19, 2023

Protester calls for Portland diocese to stop contesting sexual abuse lawsuits

PORTLAND (ME)
WGME-TV, CBS affiliate [Portland ME]

January 18, 2023

By Ted Homer

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[VIDEO]

A non-profit group is protesting the Catholic diocese in Portland, claiming it’s “retraumatizing” sexual abuse victims.

A member representing the group protested outside the diocese offices Wednesday, calling on Bishop Robert Deely to stop contesting new lawsuits filed by people claiming sexual abuse at the hands of clergy.

The lawsuits follow a change to Maine law that lifted the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims.

The diocese is accused of covering up claims of sexual abuse for decades.

Now, a New Jersey non-profit says it’s time to hold abusers, and enablers, accountable.

“They committed crimes they covered up,” Roads to Recovery President Dr. Robert Hoatson said. “Their priest committed crimes. They abused children. And these guys have a playbook. The playbook is this: don’t really take allegations seriously. Don’t promise any kind of justice for these people. And third, we need to protect the image and assets of…