When religion kills kids, tougher laws are needed

[Heddi]

http://www.observer-reporter.com/20170322/when_religion_kills_kids_tougher_laws_are_needed

If an organization was responsible for the deaths of dozens of children over more than three decades, one would think that organization would be prosecuted out of existence, and that those leading the group would be doing long stretches behind bars.

In the case of Faith Tabernacle Congregation, one would be wrong, but there is hope that will be changing soon.

For at least 35 years, the fundamentalist sect, which has its roots in Philadelphia, has directed its adherents to eschew modern medicine in favor of prayer for treating illnesses. As a result, according to a recent Associated Press report, dozens of children have died from illnesses that could have been prevented or treated.



In the past, Foster might have escaped prosecution, but Pennsylvania now has a law requiring members of the clergy, teachers and other “mandated reporters” to turn over the names of suspected child abusers to authorities so those cases can be investigated. There is no exception, said the AP, for members of the clergy who are related to an abused child.

“He was well aware of the fact that this child was in need of medical treatment, and he never reported it, nor do I believe that he ever had the intention to report it,” Berks County District Attorney John Adams told the AP.


Our state lawmakers can help. Under current Pennsylvania law, withholding medical care because of religious beliefs is not, in and of itself, considered child abuse. Adams was able to pursue the case against the elder Foster because the religious exemption in the abuse laws does not apply if failure to seek medical care results in the death of a child.

[trotsky]

1. Hell yes. n/t

[Lordquinton]

2. Here I thought you were talking about the RCC

This guessing game gets harder every day.