We, the undersigned, represent citizens across New York State who demand that the Child Abuse Reporting Expansion Act (CARE) be immediately signed into law. Sponsored by Assembly Member Monica Wallace and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the CARE Act would legally require clergy to function as mandated reporters in instances of suspected child sexual and physical abuse.

Under the current laws of New York State, it is essentially legal to cover up child abuse in faith communities. This cannot be allowed to continue; it is a moral imperative to ratify the CARE Act immediately.

We call upon the members of the State Assembly and Senate to vote on this bill before the end of the legislative session in June. We also appeal to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, whom we know to be a great advocate for victims of abuse and domestic violence.

We call on you to protect children, not abusers. We raise our voices, united in our conviction that it is immoral to stand idly by in the face of child physical and sexual abuse and that it is our duty to pursue justice for the most vulnerable in our communities.