Long Island Catholic leaders are challenging a key state law against sexual abuse in legal papers filed Wednesday in Nassau County Supreme Court.
The 79-page motion “respectfully moves the court” to dismiss dozens of sexual abuse claims brought against the Rockville Centre diocese since the Child Victims Act went into effect in August.
Jennifer Freeman, a lawyer whose firm represents dozens of alleged victims, slammed the church for the move.
“They are now decisively moving to shield predators and hide the heinous crimes that occurred under their watch,” she said. “The Diocese of Rockville and officials within the Catholic Church are demonstrating their cowardice, hypocrisy, and refusal to do what is right.”