Another door slammed in the face of abuse victims

Score one for the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

That door you just heard slam was another setback for victims of child sexual abuse, including those molested by their parish priests. The state Senate yesterday approved a measure that would extend the time victims have to file civil suits against their abusers - and their employers.

But it voted unanimously to strip out the language that would allow past victims to come forward with new suits now based on abuse that happened decades ago.

We use our editorial page today to talk about the issue.

The House had voted 180-15 to approve House Bill 1947. Prosecutors across the state had been suggesting opening such a window for years.

But several Delaware County state reps felt themselves taking some heat from the archdiocese after they voted in favor of the measure. You can read our editorial here.