Guam: Community apathetic on sex abuse bill

Kuam News
Nick Delgado

Guam - Legislation that would make it clear in Guam civil law that clerics cannot claim privileged communications as a basis for failure to make such reports of child abuse, neglect or sexual abuse went up for a public hearing this afternoon. No one however showed up to testify for or against the legislation. Likewise, no one submitted written testimony either.

Currently under Guam law teachers, nurses, doctors, social services workers, police officers and other professionals are required to report cases of suspected abuse. The bill would add the job positions of bishops, pastors, priests, deacons and other clerical posts.

The Legislature will still accept written testimony on Bill 372 over the next ten days.