Acting Governor Richard Codey yesterday signed into law a measure that will allow lawsuits against churches, private schools and other non-profit institutions for past negligent hirings of employees who sexually abused children. Non-profit organizations such as churches have long had ironclad immunity against such lawsuits. NJ is the 48th state in the nation to pass such a law.
This is good news for victims of sexual abuse. Sexual predators should never be shielded by the law or the community, whether that community be a school or a church. A zero tolerance stance toward such heinous crimes is the only way to protect our children and bring healing to those who’ve suffered this violation.