Washington bishops refuse state law requiring them to disclose confessions of sexual abuse

Published May 8, 2025 3:35pm ET



Catholic Bishops in Washington state are speaking out against a new law that would require them to disclose confessions of sexual abuse to law enforcement.

Last week, Gov. Robert Ferguson (D-WA) signed a law that requires clergy members to be mandated reporters, or those who are required to report suspected child abuse. The new law does not make room for an exemption if knowledge of the suspected abuse comes to light through the Catholic sacrament of confession.

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