GUAM – Lawsuits are set to be slapped on the Catholic Church in Guam after legislation was passed allowing child sexual abuse survivors to sue at any time.

A lawyer representing nine victims accusing clergy members of abuse says he intends to file lawsuits as soon as next week.

Lawyer David Lujan says his clients are overwhelmed by the passing of the bill, which removes the statute of limitations for lawsuits against child sex abusers and their institutions.

“Everyone is elated and everyone is really grateful to the legislature and to the governor. The governor sent a beautiful message as to why he signed it into law.”

The new law comes after Guam’s Archbishop Anthony Apuron has been accused of molesting or raping at least five altar boys in the 1960s and 70s, and other clergy members have also been accused of historical abuse.

Lujan says five of his clients have made allegations against the Archbishop, while four are accusing other church members.

He says they all intend to sue the alleged perpetrators and the Catholic Church.

“Let’s face it, a lot of these priests that abused the victims, most of them took a vow of poverty so they don’t have any assets. The only potential assets will be an insurance policy and of course the other deep pockets is the church.”

In his message, Governor Eddie Calvo admitted he’d been conflicted about the bill, but said it would “open the doors of justice to those who suffered a terrible harm as children”.

Earlier the Catholic Church had delivered a petition urging him to block the bill as it would leave the church bankrupt and put church services at risk.

But after it was signed Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, who has temporarily replaced Archbishop Apuron, expressed thanks to the governor and others involved in the legislation.

“We acknowledge the agony suffered by victims of child sexual abuse by clergy and the responsibility the Archdiocese has to bear. The Archdiocese is developing a dedicated fund as one way to help persons who have been gravely hurt in this way by the clergy.”

The Church is also reaching out to victims by encouraging people with knowledge of sexual abuse by clergy members to contact its abuse response coordinator.

But victims advocate Joelle Casteix from the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests questions its motives.

“Now the law has been passed I highly suggest that survivors think very long and hard before calling the church because the church is going to do everything they can to protect their legal interests.

“Right now what they are doing are just Band-aid measures to try to make themselves look better in the eyes of what are going to be upcoming some very ugly times.”

Casteix says she expects the church to throw a lot of money into fighting abuse cases, and is advising victims to consult their lawyers.

Senator Frank F. Blas Jnr, who introduced the bill to the Guam Legislature, says it has given victims an avenue to seek justice when they are ready.

“Children in their young years, they’re very impressionable. You know the fear that was imposed on them for many years. When they do have the time and when they feel that its right this is what this law now provides them, to seek the justice and the closure that they truly deserve and they need.”

Governor Calvo has questioned the constitutionality of the legislation which allows lawsuits to be filed retrospectively at any time.

But Senator Blas says he’s confident it will stand up to any legal challenge.Lawyer David Lujan says he expects more victims of abuse by clergy members to come forward following the introduction of the new law.

-RNZI