Bills that would toughen penalties against Internet predators, sexual abusers and those who fail to report sexual abusers were approved unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday and are expected to pass the full Senate.
Advocates for House Bills 367 and 211 said tougher penalties are needed in the wake of revelations about sexual abuse of children in churches and schools and predators' use of the Internet to harass and make sexual advances to minors.
"Children in our schools, youth sports leagues, 4-H, Scouts etc. deserve to be protected from people in positions of trust and authority," said Shannon Whelan of the group Protect Our Children KY, who applauded both bills.
John Scott, who was sexually abused by a priest in the Archdiocese of Louisville, said he is "relieved that the people are listening."
"We've been up here three years in a row," added Scott, citing previous efforts to strengthen the abuse laws. "It's been very difficult."
1 comment:
It's about time!
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