As the law is now in Kansas, a pastor could have sex with a 16 yr old and it would be legal. Hearing possible re HB 2100

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By Peggy Warren
Wichita Kansas

As the law is now in Kansas, a clergyperson could have sex with a ‘willing’ 16 yr old and it be legal. When an employer engages in a sexual relationship with an employee or a therapist has sex with a patient, it is an abuse of power. It is time for society to change attitudes regarding clergy exploitation of adolescents and adults.

We can begin by getting to work in Kansas to help bring justice to victims of sexual exploitation by clergy. I am asking, begging, pleading with you to contact Rep. Pat Colloton, who chairs the Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice, and ask her for a hearing on Kansas House Bill #2100, which would add clergy to the list of professionals on Kansas' "Unlawful Sexual Relations" statute, which would make it illegal for clergy to become sexually involved with persons 16 yrs and older.

If a hearing would be scheduled it would be within the next two weeks. So there is an urgency to make contact with Rep. Colloton ASAP.

If you would like to read the amendment to the statute go to link http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-legisportal/index.do and type in bill number 2100 in the box on the right side of screen.

You do not have to be from Kansas to contact Rep. Colloton. pat.colloton@house.ks.gov Phone # 1-785-296-7631

Once the hearing is scheduled, I would encourage those who have been affected by clergy exploitation, to consider traveling to Topeka, (or Wichita and travel with me to Topeka) to testify. Let me know if you would be interested in testifying.

Peace to all and thank you for your help!
Peggy Warren
Wichita, Ks
www.educatingtoendabuse.com

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A form letter that you can copy and paste, then put in your own words...

Dear Rep. Colloton,

Please consider scheduling a hearing for House Bill #2100. When a clergyperson exploits a congregant, it is not just the primary victim that suffers immense trauma but the entire congregation, leaving everyone questioning not only the clergyperson but questioning their entire belief system.

When an employer engages in a sexual relationship with an employee or a therapist has sex with a patient, it is an abuse of power. This type of relationship is also an abuse of power, and a betrayal of trust.

Just as there was a time in our society that our attitude towards marital rape and date rape needed to change, now is the time for society to change attitudes regarding clergy exploitation of adolescents and adults.

As the law is now in Kansas, a clergyperson could have sex with a ‘willing’ 16 yr old and it be legal. The 16 yr old could not be ‘willing’, the power differential is too great. This exploitation is never consensual. It is not an affair, it is a crime and now is the time for clergy to be held accountable for their irresponsible, predatory, criminal behavior.

In 2008, THE FORD FOUNDATION granted Dr. Diana Garland, dean of the Baylor University School of Social Work, $200,000 to study clergy sexual exploitation of adults, with results to be release next month. THE FORD FOUNDATION recognizes the prevalence of this abuse, now it is time for the justice system to take notice and call this type of behavior what it is - a CRIME.

Please schedule a hearing on KS HB 2100 and would like to know your position on this issue. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,

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ALSO THIS IS A BLOG OF NOTE:

The Tip of the Pedophile Iceburg

Bishop Accountability lists 16 accused and/or convicted sexual predators in the Diocese of Scranton. News articles that included interviews with Diocesan officials list as many as 9 more who’s names are being kept from the public. If you look at the database for accused priests for Pennsylvania, the number listed is 192. Imagine the depth of the problem if they all had 5 victims, 10 victims, 15 victims. Do the math and be as sickened by this as I am.

From personal experience, I know that the list is not complete. I had to work to get my perpetrator priest listed. The Diocese of Scranton had know of his activities as early as the 1990’s. . .

Click Here to read the entire story, excellent blogging...

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The Story Goes Onward . . .