A new law in Washington State, Senate Bill 5375, signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, mandates clergy to report suspected child abuse even if it is revealed during a religious confession. This breaks the traditional “seal of the confessional” exemption, a key religious practice especially in the Catholic Church, where priests are sworn not to disclose confessional conversations under any circumstances.
The bill’s author, Senator Noel Frame, emphasized child protection as paramount, stating conscience should never outweigh a child’s safety. It took three years to pass, targeting confidential religious disclosures specifically. However, this move has drawn criticism for disregarding deeply held religious convictions and imposing state authority over sacred religious practices.
DOJ Investigates Washington Law, Highlighting Constitutional Concerns Over Religious Freedom Violations
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a formal investigation into the law, citing concerns that it infringes upon the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. The DOJ argues that singling out clergy for mandatory reporting, unlike other professionals, is unconstitutional. This investigation signals serious federal scrutiny over Washington’s approach to religious exemptions.
Washington’s Confession Law Sparks DOJ Probe and Alarms Over Church-State Boundaries
Critics argue the law is less about protecting children and more about the state exerting control over religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church. Forcing clergy to choose between obeying religious doctrine or state law violates constitutional rights and sets a dangerous precedent that the government can regulate religious practices at will.
Government Overreach Threatens Religious Freedom, Urging Faith Communities to Lead Reform Efforts
This law reflects a growing trend where civil rights and social justice movements are used to undermine constitutional protections for religious freedom. The First Amendment safeguards not only belief but also religious practices such as confession and worship. Allowing such laws threatens all faith traditions by permitting the state to interfere with religious conscience and rituals.
The article urges that religious communities themselves, especially the Catholic Church, should lead efforts to address abuse internally rather than through government mandates. It stresses the importance of protecting religious autonomy and warns that Washington’s law could inspire similar legislation elsewhere. The DOJ investigation is a critical step, but public vigilance is necessary to defend constitutional religious rights.
