During the annual address to Colorado lawmakers, Melvin J. Baker, the chair of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, urged the legislature to support a state constitutional amendment to address cases of child sexual assault among Indigenous children, who suffer abuse at a much higher rate than the general population. The proposed amendment, defeated last year, will be reintroduced by Democratic lawmakers.
Baker highlighted the historical trauma suffered by Native American children, particularly in cases related to Native American boarding schools, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s. He emphasized the need for justice and accountability for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
In addition to the child sexual abuse amendment, Baker and Manuel Heart, leader of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, called on lawmakers to recognize tribal courts’ arrest warrants, strengthen the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, and address issues including drought in the Colorado River basin and housing.
The proposed amendment, if passed by voters, would allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse to bring civil claims regardless of when the abuse occurred. It would require a two-thirds majority of the legislature’s support to be referred to voters.
While Republican opposition blocked the amendment last year, Democratic sponsors are hopeful for its passage this year. They are seeking bipartisan support to address the urgent need for justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
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