Queens Assemblywoman Slanders Bishop; Catholic League Calls for Her Resignation
In response to the lead story in the New York Daily News (June 7), accusing Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of offering a bribe to Assemblywoman Marge Markey (D., Queens), the bishop has written a letter to the faithful of the diocese assuring them that there is no truth to the charge.
“This is the latest and perhaps most offensive in a series of irresponsible and inaccurate reports published by the Daily News,” said Bishop DiMarzio.
The full text of the Bishop’s letter is printed on Page 3. (It is also available here: Bishop Responds to N.Y. Daily News and Assemblywoman Markey)
Meanwhile, Bill Donohue, president of The Catholic League, fired back at the Daily News. He accused them of “slamming the Catholic Church. But this time they really did themselves in: They floated a front-page story by a notorious anti-Catholic bigot accusing a local bishop of bribery.”
He explained that Queens Assemblywoman Margaret Markey accused Bishop DiMarzio of offering her a $5,000 bribe.
“He allegedly tried to get her to drop her support for a bill that would lift the statute of limitations on offenses involving the sexual abuse of minors. The bishop vehemently denies it,” said Donohue.
“Only a fool would believe Markey. First of all, the alleged bribe took place in 2010. Now are we supposed to believe that the same woman who is fixated on the statute of limitations as it relates to sexual abuse didn’t know that the statute of limitations for bribery in New York is three years?
“Second, Markey never reported the alleged crime. Why not? … Or is she simply venal? Isn’t this the same woman who has spent years lecturing us about the moral obligation we have to report crimes to the police? Here is her defense: ‘Who could I report it to?’ Try calling 911.
“When a public official tells malicious tales about a bishop, it is serious business,” said Donohue. He added that it is time for Assemblywoman Markey “to resign.”
Related:
Editor’s Space: Daily News Leads Hit Job on the Church
Bishop’s letter: Bishop Responds to N.Y. Daily News and Assemblywoman Markey