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State Senate Approves Clergy Sex Abuse Bill

By Eileen Buckley

Albany, NY – The state Senate unanimously approved a bill Tuesday that would require church officials to report child sex abuse involving clergy.

Senate and Assembly bills have been placed before lawmakers in response to the recent child sex abuse scandal rocking the Roman Catholic Church. In Buffalo, Diocesan Communications Director Kevin Keenan says officials spoke, as a church, to sponsors in both houses of the Legislature, urging them to act in the best interest of New York State children.

Keenan says in recent weeks, Bishop Henry Mansell has called the child sexual abuse cases by clergy "despicable."

"He says it's repugnant, a grievous sin and a crime" Keenan said. "The Bishop said we have to do everything we can to protect our youngsters and other vulnerable people."

The state Senate will now try to negotiate a compromise with the Assembly. The Assembly bill would require clergy, religious administrators and church volunteers to report allegations of sexual abuse against children dating back 20 years.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said he's willing to try and reach a compromise between the two bills.