Maine’s highest court issued a ruling on Tuesday concerning a law that had eliminated the statute of limitations for civil cases involving child sexual abuse.

In 2021, state lawmakers enacted this law, which subsequently faced legal challenges from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. The diocese has found itself at the center of numerous lawsuits alleging historic sexual abuse by its clergy.

During the court proceedings, legal representatives for the diocese argued that abolishing the statute of limitations was unconstitutional. In contrast, an attorney advocating for the plaintiffs championed the law as essential to ensuring that past abuses are not overlooked.

The court’s comprehensive decision articulated that once the statute of limitations on a claim has lapsed, a right to be free from that claim becomes established, preventing its revival. Consequently, the court declared the law unconstitutional in relation to expired claims, although the decision was not unanimous, with two justices opposing the majority view.

The implications of this ruling for the ongoing lawsuits against the diocese remain uncertain. Various dioceses across the nation have resorted to bankruptcy in response to the financial ramifications of similar lawsuits and the settlements that have arisen from clergy abuse scandals.

Bishop James Ruggieri released a statement acknowledging the lingering uncertainty resulting from the court’s decision. He indicated that in the approaching days, weeks, and months, he plans to closely evaluate the best course of action for the diocese in collaboration with advisors from various levels of the church. He also expressed the importance of connecting with victims and survivors to recognize the profound effects of past abuses on their lives.