Tag: clergy-penitent privilege laws wa state

WA lawmakers passed a bill ending clergy-penitent privilege in child abuse cases and listing clergy as mandatory reporters, sending it to the governor after a 3-year push.

Washington seeks to reduce clergy-penitent privilege to fight abuse, but critics see it as freedom of religion. American Atheists push for more equal treatment.

Washington lawmakers push bills requiring clergy to report child abuse, sparking fierce debate over confession privacy. Catholic bishops vow to protect confessional despite abuse reporting mandate.