October 03, 2006
Foley Says He Was Abused
Former Rep. Mark Foley says he was abused by a member of the clergy at age 13, though he does not blame his current troubles on "the trauma he sustained as a young adolescent," his lawyer, David Roth, told the press today.
"As is so often the case with victims of abuse, Mark advises that he kept his shame to himself," Roth said.
"Mark explicitly reaffirms his acceptance of responsibility and remorse. He reiterates unequivocally that he has never had sexual conduct with a minor."
Roth: "Any suggestion that Mark Foley is a pedophile is false. Categorically false."
Roth said he "very much wanted to release the name" of the priest and other details, but his lawyers advised him against that.
Foley will be in the rehabilitation facility for at least 30 days.
At the end of his statement, Roth said that Foley "wants you to know that he is a gay man."
Posted at 05:56 PM
Comments
How strange that Foley suddenly states that he is a survivor of priest abuse, yet his lawyers tell him not to reveal the name of the priest or the parish in which that abuse occurred?
It's time for the leadership in this country and in all religions to accept responsibility for their actions. Those who conspire to silence about these atrocities should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Kay Goodnow | 10.05.06 01:31 AM
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