We’re seeing a lot of people who oppose groups like Scientology and Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrating today after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 218.
Like a New York law that also recently went into effect, the new California law will allow a longer window of opportunity for victims of sexual assault to file lawsuits against their attackers. The change especially has in mind victims of clergy abuse who were victimized as children.
At Facebook, ex-JW activist Mark O’Donnell said this about the new law today…
“Prepare for a flood of civil suits like this country has not yet seen. This ruling is significant considering the size of the state of California, and the number of Jehovah’s Witness congregations which have not only harbored abusers of children, but who have failed to report allegations of abuse to law enforcement.
Times are changing. Laws are changing. The balance of power is beginning to equalize, and while we respect the rights of religions to believe as they wish, they must be held accountable for their actions.”
