Eliminate the use of NDA’s and Religious Arbitration when abuse occurs in Mn

The Issue

I am a survivor of clergy abuse who has been blacklisted and re-victimized by religious institutions. My experience is one of many, where victims are silenced and justice is obstructed due to the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Religious Arbitration. In my case, I never signed an NDA but those I went to for assistance had and would not help me. Silencing potential support and witnesses by ordaining them is a tactic to keep abuse covered up. We need change to end these abuses. In Minnesota, many churches require victims of sexual, physical, and spiritual abuse to sign NDAs, which effectively silences them. Survivors are deprived of their voices and the ability to share their stories, seek public justice, and heal properly. This practice shields the perpetrators and institutions from accountability, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue. Furthermore, the requirement for Religious Arbitration instead of civil courts denies victims a fair and unbiased platform for justice. Religious Arbitration often lacks transparency and can be heavily biased in favor of the church, further perpetuating a culture of silence and inequity. In such settings, victims’ rights are not adequately protected, leaving them without the support and recognition they deserve. Statistics show that the misuse of NDAs and mandatory Religious Arbitration has contributed to continued abuse within religious settings. These institutions must prioritize safeguarding individuals over their reputations. We urge Minnesota’s religious leaders to take a stand against these damaging practices. By abandoning NDAs and Religious Arbitration, churches can set a precedent for accountability and transparency, ensuring a safer environment for all. We ask lawmakers and church authorities in Minnesota to prohibit NDAs and mandatory Religious Arbitration in cases of abuse within religious settings. Churches should adopt victim-centered approaches that prioritize healing and justice. Join me in calling for an end to these practices that silence and harm survivors. Together, we can create a system that truly supports and protects those who have been wronged. Please sign this petition to support the abolition of NDAs and Religious Arbitration in Minnesota's religious institutions.

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The Issue

I am a survivor of clergy abuse who has been blacklisted and re-victimized by religious institutions. My experience is one of many, where victims are silenced and justice is obstructed due to the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Religious Arbitration. In my case, I never signed an NDA but those I went to for assistance had and would not help me. Silencing potential support and witnesses by ordaining them is a tactic to keep abuse covered up. We need change to end these abuses. In Minnesota, many churches require victims of sexual, physical, and spiritual abuse to sign NDAs, which effectively silences them. Survivors are deprived of their voices and the ability to share their stories, seek public justice, and heal properly. This practice shields the perpetrators and institutions from accountability, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue. Furthermore, the requirement for Religious Arbitration instead of civil courts denies victims a fair and unbiased platform for justice. Religious Arbitration often lacks transparency and can be heavily biased in favor of the church, further perpetuating a culture of silence and inequity. In such settings, victims’ rights are not adequately protected, leaving them without the support and recognition they deserve. Statistics show that the misuse of NDAs and mandatory Religious Arbitration has contributed to continued abuse within religious settings. These institutions must prioritize safeguarding individuals over their reputations. We urge Minnesota’s religious leaders to take a stand against these damaging practices. By abandoning NDAs and Religious Arbitration, churches can set a precedent for accountability and transparency, ensuring a safer environment for all. We ask lawmakers and church authorities in Minnesota to prohibit NDAs and mandatory Religious Arbitration in cases of abuse within religious settings. Churches should adopt victim-centered approaches that prioritize healing and justice. Join me in calling for an end to these practices that silence and harm survivors. Together, we can create a system that truly supports and protects those who have been wronged. Please sign this petition to support the abolition of NDAs and Religious Arbitration in Minnesota's religious institutions.

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