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Woman to get trial for 1981 sexual assault claims against priest

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Superior Court has ruled to send the case of a woman who says she was raped by a priest to trial.

The alleged rape happened in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown in 1981.

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The court ruled Tuesday that a jury should decide whether or not the statute of limitations has expired.

Attorney Alan Perer said this decision will have a major impact on victims of clergy sex abuse.

Many victims are not able to file civil lawsuits because the statute of limitations has expired.

Perer argued that the statute should be extended following the grand jury's finding of widespread cover-ups within several Pennsylvania dioceses.

"This was a systemic concealment conspiracy to hide and protect these priests and allow them to prey on children," he said.

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