SEATTLE (WA)
Seattle Medium [Seattle WA]
January 31, 2024
Washington state lawmakers are making another attempt to pass a bill that would require clergy members to act as mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect. Senate Bill 6298 aims to include clergy in the list of mandatory reporters in Washington, addressing a significant gap in the state’s current laws. Last year, the bill faced opposition from Catholic lobbyists, but this time, the bill’s main sponsor, state Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, hopes to find a compromise that will address concerns raised by Catholic representatives regarding the reporting of information obtained during confession.
Washington state currently stands among the five states where clergy members are not legally obligated to report incidents of child abuse or neglect. Recognizing the importance of closing this gap, lawmakers have reintroduced Senate Bill 6298 to rectify the situation. By mandating that clergy members report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, the bill aims to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children within the state.
During the previous attempt to pass this legislation, the main obstacle came from Catholic lobbyists who raised concerns about the reporting of information obtained during confession. To address these concerns, state Sen. Noel Frame and other supporters of the bill are working towards finding a compromise that respects the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church while still prioritizing the protection of children.
According to a federal agency that tracks child abuse reporting laws, Washington is one of only five states where clergy members are not designated as mandatory reporters. In the majority of states, including 45 out of 50, clergy members are obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. However, it is worth noting that only seven states have removed the loophole that allows clergy members to maintain confidentiality during confession.
Reintroducing Senate Bill 6298 demonstrates Washington state’s commitment to protecting children by closing the gap in its child abuse reporting laws. The ongoing discussions and negotiations with Catholic lobbyists highlight the importance of finding a balance that respects religious practices while ensuring the safety and well-being of children. By passing this bill, Washington state will join the majority of states in recognizing the critical role clergy members can play as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.