Oklahoma’s Cindy Clemishire shares her story to help sex abuse survivors in Texas

Oklahoma sex abuse survivor Cindy Clemishire shared her story in front of lawmakers at the Texas Capitol on Wednesday. Her accused abuser, Gateway Church founder Robert Morris, was officially charged in Osage County last week. 

Clemishire testified in favor of a bill that would eliminate non-disclosure agreements for survivors of sexual abuse in civil court agreements. The bill is named after Trey Carlock who lost his life in 2019, from what his sister said, was due to the unrelenting pressure of an NDA. Stories filled the Texas capitol committee room — stories of pain and the consequences of silence. 

“He tried everything to heal,” said Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, Trey Carlock’s sister. “A lot of truth dies with people because of NDAs and that only protects bad actors.” 

Clemishire testified about Morris and the abuse she said she faced in Osage County at 12 years old. Clemishire shared her journey with News 9 in June of 2024. On Wednesday she shared the struggle she faced after the abuse as a teenager and the baggage she carried most of her adult life. 

“I felt like, as if, it was all my fault,” Clemishire said. “I carried with me shame.” 

About 18 years ago, Clemishire said Morris offered her a settlement if she signed an NDA. She declined. 

“I would never sign anything that gave my rights away to share my story,” Clemishire said. 

Her decision brought her freedom when she was ready to bring her story to a national audience. 

“I never would have been ready until now,” Clemishire said. 

Morris faces multiple abuse charges. Morris turned himself into the Osage County Sheriff's Office at 7:57 a.m. on Monday. By 8:11 a.m., just 14 minutes later, he had posted a $50,000 bond and was released, according to jail records. Morris was slated to be back in court on May 9, according to court records. 

Chair of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence committee, Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, Texas, authored House Bill 748, known as “Trey’s Law.” 

“No victim who chooses to share their story should ever be silenced,” Leach said. 

Carlock-Phillips said her brother was abused beginning at age seven and barred from sharing his story a decade later due to an NDA. Carlock died by suicide in August of 2019. He was 28 years old. Carlock-Phillips said her brother’s bill would help bring peace to survivors seeking accountability and closure. 

“We also know how healing happens,” Carlock-Phillips said. “It’s by sharing your story in safe places.” 

Clemishire said stories can bring accountability and words with the power to heal.  

“It gives people hope,” Clemishire said. “I think that’s the biggest thing – for other victims to have hope.” 

The Texas committee members unanimously approved “Trey’s Law” and sent the bill to the House floor for consideration. 

“I am proud to be Trey’s sister, and I hope Texas will be proud of Trey’s Law,” Carlock-Phillips said.