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The founding pastor of Gateway Church, a prominent institution in North Texas, resigned following an accusation of sexual abuse dating back decades. On Lone Star Politics, Texas House Judiciary Committee Chair Jeff Leach, a Republican from Plano, outlined forthcoming legislation aimed at holding individuals accountable in similar cases.
Cindy Clemishire, from Oklahoma, alleged that Robert Morris abused her during the 1980s, from ages 12 to 16. Church spokesperson Lawrence Swicegood acknowledged the church was aware of a previous inappropriate relationship involving Morris but was unaware of Clemishire’s age or the duration of the abuse. Morris resigned from his role at the church but has not faced criminal charges.
“The sanctity of the church has been violated. As a born-again believer, I cherish the church, but we must confront instances like those involving the pulpit at Gateway. We need to take decisive action, speak out, and do everything possible to safeguard victims,” State Rep. Leach expressed on Lone Star Politics.
Leach outlined three legislative initiatives his committee would explore when the session resumes in January: extending statutes of limitations, increasing penalties for mandatory reporters who fail to report abuse, and restricting non-disclosure agreements between abusers and victims. Any changes would require approval from the full Texas House, Senate, and Governor Greg Abbott.
Currently, Texas imposes no statute of limitations on criminal cases involving child sexual abuse, while civil cases have a 30-year limit. However, retroactive enforcement of statute changes is prohibited by the state constitution, meaning it would not affect cases like Morris’. Leach argued for reforms to apply to future cases, balancing the need to prevent frivolous lawsuits with ensuring victims’ access to justice.
“In the debate over justice, I believe we should err on the side of protecting victims and ensuring they have access to our courts,” Leach stated. “Justice shouldn’t have an expiration date.”
Under Texas law, all individuals are mandated to report child abuse to law enforcement, including teachers, healthcare professionals, attorneys, daycare staff, and clergy members. Leach emphasized frustration with cases where individuals had knowledge of the Morris situation but failed to report it within the required 48-hour period.
“The term ‘mandatory’ means just that—they are mandatory,” Leach emphasized, advocating for increased penalties for non-compliance.
Texas law specifies that reports of child abuse must be made to local or state law enforcement agencies or the Department of Family and Protective Services.