Daniel Charest / X
CV NEWS FEED // Maine’s Supreme Court struck down a law Jan. 28 that had previously permitted victims of child sex abuse to file claims even after the statute of limitations had expired.
The Portland Press Herald reported that the 2021 law led to several victims of child sex abuse suing the Diocese of Portland and alleging clergy sex abuse dating as far back as the 1950s. The Diocese reportedly challenged the law, claiming a “constitutionally protected vested right” to remain protected by the statute of limitations.
The court ruled that while “retroactive legislation” is permitted, “retroactive legislation cannot impair vested rights.”
“Once a statute of limitations has expired for a claim, a right to be free of that claim has vested, and the claim cannot be revived,” Associate Justice Catherine Connors wrote in the conclusion of the court’s majority opinion.
According to the opinion, at least 13 claims of child sex abuse are currently pending in Maine courts. The Supreme Court ordered the cases to be sent back to trial court. The Portland Press Herald reported that it’s “unclear” what the outcome of the cases might be in light of the new ruling.
The Diocese’s bishop, James T. Ruggieri, addressed the ruling in a statement the same day, telling victims he recognizes the impact and suffering any cases of clergy child sex abuse have caused.
“A degree of uncertainty still remains, and in the coming days, weeks, and months, in consultation with diocesan, parish, and lay advisors, I will prayerfully assess the path forward for the diocese,” he stated. “I am hopeful that this decision will allow us as a diocese to commit to strengthening the core mission of the Church in Maine with even greater humility and devotion.”
Bishop Ruggieri also promised to examine any claim of clergy sex abuse brought forward “regardless of the timeline” and offered resources and support to victims.
“We as a diocese are committed to the highest standards and protocols of keeping our parishes safe places for our children. We are also committed to maintaining and strengthening the vibrancy of our parish communities and Church ministries which support so many people across the state, Catholic and non-Catholic,” Bishop Ruggieri continued. “We will continue our mission of evangelization and direct service to those in need.”
Despite the ruling, attorneys representing the victims in court plan to continue with the case. According to the Portland Post Herald, attorney Michael Bigos has previously said that his clients are accusing the Diocese of covering up reports of child sex abuse, which he argues isn’t restricted by a statute of limitations.
