Tag: Child abuse reporting

Catholic bishops in Washington are asking a federal court to block a new law requiring clergy to report child abuse, arguing it infringes on religious freedom and the sanctity of confession.

Monday, several Orthodox churches filed a federal lawsuit to sue Washington for religious discrimination over the state’s recent passage of a law mandating clergy to report child abuse and neglect, including if discovered within the confessional.

The Department of Justice is currently investigating Washington’s new law mandating clergy report knowledge of child sex abuse, claiming it is a violation of the First Amendment and focusing on its impact on Catholic priests.