Washington will not require priests to report child abuse disclosed in confession

Washington will not enforce a law mandating priests to report child abuse disclosed during confession. The state reached this conclusion after legal challenges from Catholic bishops and other religious leaders, who contended that the requirement violated their First Amendment rights. A federal judge's preliminary injunction had already blocked enforcement of this provision since the law took effect on July 27. Attorney General Nick Brown noted that the settlement allows the state to maintain essential elements of the mandatory reporting law while respecting religious practices. Catholic leaders expressed gratitude for the ruling, asserting that preventing abuse and maintaining the sacred seal of confession can coexist.

Critics, including representatives from the Catholic Accountability Project, argue that this decision undermines child protection efforts. Senate Bill 5375, which added clergy to the list of mandatory reporters, aimed to enhance child safety but faced significant backlash. The legal battles reflect ongoing tensions between religious freedom and child protection laws.