WA law mandating clergy report child abuse to be investigated by Trumps Justice Department

The Department of Justice is investigating a Washington state law that mandates clergy to report child abuse, arguing it may infringe on First Amendment rights. Signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on May 2, the law requires church leaders to report allegations, even those disclosed during confessions, which has drawn criticism from religious groups. The DOJ claims the law unfairly targets clergy by removing their legal reporting privileges while others, such as therapists and doctors, maintain theirs. Ferguson, a practicing Catholic, defends the law, stating it is crucial for child protection.

State Sen. Noel Frame, who introduced the bill, insists that the legislation aims to safeguard all children and not specifically target Catholics. She highlights that other professionals, like therapists, already adhere to mandatory reporting laws without privilege exceptions. Ferguson and Frame's positions underscore a significant conflict between child protection efforts and religious rights. The investigation reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the balance of legal obligations and religious freedoms.