PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A Pennsylvania judge has ruled a lawsuit can move forward against the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

The suit by parents and survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members claims the diocese became a public nuisance because they didn’t fulfill obligations under state law to report abusers.

It was originally filed in September of 2018 against each diocese in the state.

However, the judge issued a preliminary dismissal for all of those except Pittsburgh, saying the lawsuit doesn’t include specific allegations against the other dioceses.

WATCH: KDKA’s Paul Martino Reports Live On The Judge’s Ruling



The plaintiffs are not seeking any monetary awards from the suit; instead, they say they want names and information of the alleged abusers to be made public.

Attorney Benjamin Sweet insists there’s plenty more that could be revealed, including information about the church’s religious order.

The Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese released a statement through a spokesperson, saying:

“ We are unable to comment further as this is a matter of pending litigation. The diocese is in full compliance with the State of Pennsylvania’s mandated reporting requirements, and reports all allegations regarding sexual abuse of a minor to the district attorney’s office. We pray for healing for all victims.”

The Survivors Network Group says they applaud the ruling and hope that others across the country will force their diocese to release all records related to the sexual abuse of children.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.