Small alteration to separation of church and state law? Speak up.

[jojo54]

Should there be a change to allow for these pedophile priests to be charged and jailed under state law?? I realize it's a very precarious line I'm walking on but I think it's time that these priests be held accountable. If all that happens is they're kicked out of the priesthood, then what's stopping them from continuing this henious act? I'm looking for opinions here so let's discuss this.

Commentary in today's PA Inquirer says a lot about this situation. It's truely scary and makes me wonder if that's why there are so many nutcases out there today, i.e. the pedophiles, murderers, and most recently the earlier thread about the old blind dog being kicked to death.

Here's the story: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/editorial/12192438.htm

<snip>For decades, thousands of children in America have been sexually abused by thousands of clergy of various denominations. Most of those who supervised these clergy knew they were abusing children but continued to move them from assignment to assignment to avoid scandal and liability. As a result, thousands more children were abused.>

What do you think?

[bowens43]

1. Are you saying pedophiles can't be tried under state law?

I'm sure that they can. Why do you think they can't be?

[William769]

2. The link requires registration.

I was under the undersatinding that priests are subject to State laws, just like anyother citizens with the exception of foriegn diplomats and & some cases indians.

[Beaver Tail]

3. Putting on my Christian hat

These pedophile's do not deserve special treatment because they are priests. They should be treated EXACTLY like anyone else who engages in crimes like this. If the Church hides them than the churches crime is just as bad (if not worse) than the pedophile's.

Anyone knowingly harbouring a pedophile should also be held criminally responsible.

[jojo54]

4. Oh..............

I didn't think they could be tried under state law. O.K. then, why aren't they? Has anyone seen of a case where there was a trial?

btw-sorry about the link. I thought the direct link to the story would work.

[madmom]

6. Aztec priests ripped the heart out of there captives...

in the name of a god.These creeps are no better.IMHO

[ThomWV]

5. Anti Religious Tripe

A priest or other clergyperson can be charged and tried just like anyone else. The law that seperates church from state is called the First Amendment to the Constitution. You might want to read it. It is a facinating little paragraph, not so very difficult to understand. First if protects the state (and its people) from religion and then it protects religion from the state. What it does not do, and does not attempt to do, is protect individuals within a religion from the state.

Basically our country operates much like quite a few of the world's religions. We have 10 rules, here they are:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.