Slander lawsuits set a dangerous precedent

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Priests who have filed slander lawsuits against people who accuse them of abuse or molest are setting a dangerous precedent. <br><br>David Clohessy, director of a national victim's

Sunday, September 15th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Priests who have filed slander lawsuits against people who accuse them of abuse or molest are setting a dangerous precedent.

David Clohessy, director of a national victim's advocacy group, says the lawsuits intimidate victims and prevent others from coming forward.

Two Oklahoma priests have filed lawsuits against two men who have accused them of molest.

Attorneys for the priests say they're simply defending themselves.

Clohessy says they're trying to stop the investigative process.