The Catholic Bishops of Washington on Thursday asked a federal court to block a new state law requiring priests to report instances of child abuse or neglect – even when it’s disclosed in confession – before the law takes effect this summer.
Senate Bill 5375 makes members of the clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, meaning religious leaders – ministers, priests, rabbis and others – would be required to report suspected child abuse and neglect. That means priests would be required to break the sacred seal of confession or face fines and jail time.
First Liberty Institute is one of the groups representing Archbishop Paul Etienne, Bishop Thomas Daly, and Bishop Joseph Tyson, who filed an initial lawsuit in federal court last week to block the law from taking effect on July 27.
First Liberty Institute Attorney Hiram Sasser told The Center Square that his clients’ focus is on protecting…
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