Tag: clergy mandatory 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.

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.

Washington passes historic law mandating clergy report child abuse, ending clergy-penitent privilege, like the Catholic confessional, after decades of resistance.