State Senate committee amends abuse bill
The state Senate Judiciary Committee this week removed a controversial provision from a bill that would have allowed the reviving of time-barred civil claims alleging child sex abuse in Pennsylvania.
In a 9-4 vote, committeemembers passed an amendment to HB 1947 that deleted the provision. Some committeemembers expressed concern about the provision’s constitutionality.
After the provision was deleted, the commitee unanimously approved the bill, and it’s expected to be voted on by the full state Senate.
The amended bill still allows people up to age 50 to file civil suits alleging child sex abuse, and it lifts all time limits for filing criminal charges.
Attorney Marci A. Hamilton, an advocate for the reform of child sex-abuse laws, blasted the amendment.
“The state Senate Judiciary Committee’s amendments are a predator’s best friend,” Hamilton told PGN. “I hope the full Senate understands this is a simple choice between predator and child protection.”
State Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf Jr. (R), who chairs the state Senate Judiciary Committee, refrained from voting on the measure.
In a statement, Greenleaf said he wanted to avoid an appearance of a conflict of interest, because he’s associated with a law firm that’s been involved in litigation relating to child sex abuse.
“In order to project a positive perception, I voluntarily will no longer participate in any further proceedings regarding HB 1947, nor will I vote on the bill,” Greenleaf said.
Trial date set for Sargent
A tentative trial date has been set for Charles N. Sargent, who allegedly murdered trans woman Diamond Williams in July 2013.
Sargent’s trial is tentatively set for 9 a.m. Feb. 27 in Courtroom 802 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St., with Common Pleas Judge Diana L. Anhalt presiding.
Sargent allegedly stabbed to death Williams in July 2013 after a sexual encounter in Sargent’s Strawberry Mansion residence.
Then Sargent allegedly dismembered Williams’ body with an ax and deposited her body parts in a nearby vacant lot.
Sargent recently filed several motions seeking his release. But according to court records, he remains incarcerated at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Northeast Philadelphia.
Neither side had a comment for this update.
— Timothy Cwiek
William Way joins Philly4Pulse
The William Way LGBT Community Center is joining the list of bars in and around the Gayborhood that are banding together for a fundraiser for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando.
There will be a sober party July 21 at the center, 1315 Spruce St., while 13 bars host various entertainment. The event starts at 7 p.m., with most shows starting at 9 p.m.
Confirmed entertainment includes:
• ICandy: 18-and-over dance party with drag performances
• Tabu: Burlesque performances
• The Bike Stop: Leather party
• Tavern on Camac: Showtunes party
• Voyeur: Drag show headlined by Mimi Imfurst from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
• Woody’s: Latin dance party
• Valanni: Kinky Quizzo
• Bob and Barbara’s: Drag show headlined by Lisa Lisa
• Boxers: Texas Hold ’em Tournament
Some additional guest bartenders have also been added to the lineup, including Nellie Fitzpatrick, director of the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs; and state Rep. Brian Sims, the first elected openly gay state lawmaker.
For more information, search “Philly4Pulse” on Facebook.
— Paige Cooperstein