For months, a Washington state bill generated controversy over two critical interests: protecting children from abuse and protecting the freedom of religion.
Signed by the governor in May 2025, SB 5375 designated clergy as mandatory reporters, requiring them to report child sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect – even if they learned of the abuse during a confidential sacred rite.
Some faiths, including the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox churches, prohibit clergy from revealing information learned through a confession or sacrament. In the Catholic Church, there are no exceptions — and the penalty for disclosure is excommunication.
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