Washington Legislature approves requirement for clergy to report child abuse

Washington State's Senate Bill 5375, recently passed by the legislature, will require clergy to report instances of child abuse or neglect disclosed during confession. This legislation reflects a growing recognition of the vital role religious leaders play in safeguarding children and aligns them with other mandatory reporters, such as teachers and healthcare professionals. Supporters, including state Sen. Noel Frame, emphasize the importance of trust between children and their religious leaders, asserting that this law will facilitate intervention in abusive situations. Conversely, some religious representatives argue that the bill undermines the sanctity of confession, potentially driving abusers underground and discouraging them from seeking help.

Critics, including several Republican lawmakers, raise concerns about the effectiveness of such legislation, pointing to similar laws in other states that have not demonstrably reduced abuse rates. The bill retains the privilege for clergy not to testify in court, preserving some level of confidentiality. If signed into law, Washington will join states like New Hampshire and West Virginia, where confessional conversations are not exempt from mandatory reporting. The push for this legislation marks the third consecutive year that Frame has advocated for such changes, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance child protection with religious freedoms.