*NOTE: In addition to these writings authored by Archbishop Chaput's, the Office of Communications maintains a complete Backgrounders Page on all locally published materials regarding archdiocesan efforts towards Child & Youth Protection. For more information, please visit our Statute of Limitation Backgrounder Page and our Mediation Offer Backgrounder Page, or our Newsroom

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The False Promise of ‘Window’ Legislation
Oct. 9, 2006
America: The National Catholic Weekly
Archbishop Chaput responds to a column submitted by Professor Marci A. Hamilton in the September 25, 2006 issue of America. In her column, Hamilton renewed the call for “window” legislation. Window legislation - like the state law currently in effect in California and a similar proposal that died in the Colorado Assembly in 2006 - retroactively suspends the civil statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Window legislation typically allows damage claims to be filed for alleged abuse that occurred up to 70 years ago. Hamilton, who has worked closely with plaintiffs’ attorneys in the past, argued that window legislation is not about targeting Catholic institutions but protecting children. This is not true.  Archbishop Chaput argues why. To read the California bishops' letter to America magazine, click here.

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