PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney has sent letters to Pennsylvania State Senators John Rafferty, Daylin Leach and Stewart Greenleaf urging them to pass House Bill 1947 in its current state. House Bill 1947 extends the protections offered to victims of child sex abuse. The letter reads as follows.

“I am writing to offer my support for HB 1947 that if introduced and passed in the Senate will increase protections for victims of child sex abuse crimes. This legislation will drop a 30-year statute of limitations on when criminal sex abuse charges can be filed and will allow victims to file civil suit until the age of 50.

The City of Philadelphia has seen its share of sex abuse cases. Earlier this year, a priest who taught at St. John Neumann H.S. in Philadelphia was sentenced to 20 years in prison for having sexual contact with at least 30 children.  In 2013, a priest and lay teacher who taught at St. Jerome’s Parish were convicted of sexually molesting a 10-year-old boy.

Enough is enough. HB 1947 is a necessary step to protect the future of our children. It will hold our parishes and organizations accountable for their actions in mishandling or concealing crimes against children. By extending the window to file a lawsuit, the bill will give victims more time for closure and justice. I offer my full support to HB 1947, and hope to see it introduced in the Senate and passed as soon as possible.”