Bishops sue to overturn new WA law requiring clergy to report child abuse

Catholic bishops in Washington filed a lawsuit on May 31 against a law requiring clergy to report child abuse disclosed in confession, arguing it violates their First Amendment rights. The bishops, including Archbishop Paul Etienne, seek to block the law from taking effect on July 27, claiming it forces priests into an untenable position of choosing between their religious vows and state penalties. They assert that existing diocesan policies already surpass state requirements for child protection. The lawsuit names Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown as defendants, with Ferguson expressing disappointment over the lawsuit. Hiram Sasser of First Liberty Institute, representing the bishops, describes the law as an act of religious discrimination.

The law adds clergy to the mandatory reporting list without exempting confessional disclosures, which the bishops argue jeopardizes the sanctity of confession, a core sacrament. They emphasize that the law infringes on their religious freedom and could deter individuals from seeking moral guidance. The U. S. Department of Justice has also opened a civil rights investigation related to the matter.