Maine’s highest court announced on Tuesday that it has overturned a law that had allowed victims of child sexual abuse to bypass the statute of limitations and file civil lawsuits. This decision marks the end of a significant legal struggle spanning several years.

The court’s ruling follows a series of civil lawsuits filed against the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland, with claimants alleging that they were sexually abused by clergy members during their childhood, with accusations dating back to as early as the 1950s. A law enacted in 2021 initially enabled some victims to pursue legal action by eliminating the time limit for filing claims related to childhood sexual abuse.

The diocese contested the lawsuits, arguing that the legislation from 2021 was unconstitutional. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld this challenge in their recent ruling.

Michael Bigos, an attorney representing approximately 100 affected individuals, expressed his disappointment to YSL News regarding the court’s determination.

“Clearly, the anguish resulting from childhood sexual abuse endures indefinitely,” Bigos stated. “These survivors deserve accountability from those responsible for enabling these abuses and are owed overdue justice.”

Following the ruling, Reverend James Ruggieri, the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, emphasized that the diocese will persist in its efforts to investigate claims of abuse—regardless of when they occurred—while also offering counseling and support to survivors.

“The horrific actions of certain clergy during that time represent a deeply painful era that still affects us today,” Ruggieri remarked. “There is still a level of uncertainty, and in the upcoming days, weeks, and months, I will thoughtfully consider the future direction for the diocese with the help of diocesan, parish, and community advisors. I hope this decision enables us to strengthen the fundamental mission of the Church in Maine with even greater humility and dedication.”

Court’s decision halts long-term sexual abuse lawsuits

In an extensive opinion published this week, the court recognized the enduring impact of child sexual abuse. However, they ruled that the 2021 statute exceeded the authority of the state legislature.

In 2000, Maine implemented a law that abolished time constraints on civil lawsuits related to child sexual abuse, except for claims that had already surpassed the limits set by the previous law. Two decades later, the state legislature introduced a statute allowing lawsuits for claims that had expired under the earlier regulations. This amendment was struck down by the state Supreme Court.

“The societal understanding of the trauma and the delays it causes in a victim’s ability to seek justice has undeniably evolved,” the court stated.

The justices noted that while the updated framework “offers guidance” for eliminating time restrictions on civil abuse claims, the legislature lacked the authority to retroactively authorize lawsuits that would infringe upon a defendant’s rights. After the expiration of a statute of limitations, a defendant holds the “right to be free from that claim,” which the court found violated by the 2021 law.

Attorney plans next steps for abuse lawsuits

Justices Wayne Douglas and Rick Lawrence issued a dissenting opinion. They highlighted findings indicating that the severe trauma associated with child sexual abuse differs from other kinds of abuse, and can take decades for individuals to process.

The two justices asserted that the 2021 statute was a “reasonable legislative response that aligns with due process by eliminating a procedural obstacle” that previously barred alleged victims from seeking legal recourse.

Prior to the removal of the statute of limitations on August 11, 2000, the deadline for such cases was 12 years, starting from the age of majority regardless of the abuse’s timing, according to Bigos.

With the recent ruling eliminating retroactive applicability, Bigos pointed out that this decision now sets a deadline for filing claims. He projects that individuals born before August 11, 1970, will be effectively prevented from initiating civil lawsuits for child sexual abuse in Maine.

After the 1970 cutoff, Bigos indicated that individuals would still be able to file civil suits in Maine for child sexual abuse without a time limit, but he expressed concern that the court’s decision could influence many individuals.

For those cases impacted by this week’s ruling, Bigos stated he will shift focus to legal action against the church regarding its “decades of concealment.” He claims that records of abuse extend back to 1954 and asserts that the diocese “was aware of widespread sexual abuse by its clergy, nuns, and educators for many years and chose to prioritize the protection of these known abusers over the safety of children.”