Accusations of Sexual Misconduct
How should we deal with high profile accusations of sexual misconduct?
First, we must ask the question: “Is it true?” Unfortunately, the all-important truth is often impossible to determine. If the alleged crime happened long ago, and the accused man vehemently denies wrongdoing, we do not know the truth. We may have an opinion, but to claim to know the truth is to lie.
We do know that the accusation has some political motivation. If it was only about justice, she had 40 years to bring it up (privately or publicly) and choosing an opportune political time shows some political motivation...at least a little. Now, the timing of an accusation does not prove the accusation is false, but if she wants to be believed, she should admit some political motivation. Denying the Elephant or Donkey in the room does not add to her credibility.
Second, when the accused man denies all wrongdoing, there must be more than one witness. Without multiple witnesses, it is her word against his. If a man has a good reputation, has a history of faithfulness, and is the husband of one wife, then we should not receive an accusation against him on the testimony of one witness (1 Timothy 5:19). Even if the accused is a bit shady and we don't like him, he is still innocent until proven guilty. Until conviction, the man should be treated as innocent. If one person bringing an accusation is enough to convict a man of wrongdoing, then a lady dies...Lady Justice.
Third, the trial of the accused must take place in a court or some other legitimate arena, not in a media frenzy. Trial by Twitter is unjust. Internet news reports should not determine guilt. If the accused pleads ‘not guilty’, then he can only be declared guilty after his conviction in a formal trial where he was permitted to face his accuser, as guaranteed in the 6th amendment to the Constitution.
Fourth, we should sympathize with the victim. If you think I am talking about the woman who made the accusation, then you have already believed the lie that an accusation is proof of guilt. No doubt someone is a victim of evil. The victim is either the man whose reputation is ruined by a false witness (contra 9th commandment), or a woman who suffered at the hands of a wicked man breaking the 7th commandment. We should sympathize with the victim AFTER we identify the victim. Until we properly identify the victim, we should withhold judgment and sympathy from the man and the woman. The man is innocent until proven guilty, and the woman may or may not be telling the truth. We do not know!
Fifth, if those in positions of power and influence take punitive action against a man on the basis of accusations alone, they are acting unjustly and denying the right to due process. If mere accusations are sufficient to bring down a man with a 40 year record of faithful service, no public person is safe. Accusations (true or false) become weapons of mass destruction in the hands of political enemies on both sides of the aisle.
Finally, if you are reading this and think I am defending sexual misconduct, you are part of the problem. This article is a defense of due process and a protest against internet mob lynching. God save the United States and this honorable court.