Child sexual abuse

New Washington Law Requires Clergy to Report Abuse, Even From Confession

Published MAY 5 2025

Story

Above: A confessional inside the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on April 24, 2025, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Image credit: Viktoriia Yakymenko/Contributor/Suspilne Ukraine/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

The Facts

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Friday signed a bill, which will take effect July 27, requiring clergy members to report suspected child abuse or neglect, even when information is disclosed during confession or other sacred confidences.
NonStop Local Tri
NCR
The bill, which passed 64-31 in the state House and 28-20 in the Senate, makes Washington one of five states requiring clergy to report abuse without exemptions for confessionals. Clergy will now join other professionals like doctors and social workers.
Washington State Standard
CatholicVote org
Catholic leaders across Washington opposed the bill's lack of exemption for the confessional seal, with Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle stating that clergy "may not violate the seal of confession — or they will be excommunicated from the Church."
Angelusnews
CatholicVote org
The Washington State Catholic Conference lobbied lawmakers to amend the bill to preserve clergy-penitent privilege, arguing that requiring priests to break the confessional seal would constitute a violation of religious freedom protected by the First Amendment.
Angelusnews
CatholicVote org
Advocates for abuse survivors celebrated the law's passage, including the Catholic Accountability Project. Abuse survivor Mary Dispenza said, "the church is not above the law, especially when it comes to protecting children."
Washington State Standard
FOX 13 Seattle
Ferguson, who's Catholic, said his own experience with confession didn't deter his legislative decision.
Catholic Culture
FOX 13 Seattle

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

This law will protect Washington's children and is not an attack on the Church. It closes a loophole, mandating that clergy report child abuse and aligning them with other responsible adults. Supported by survivors, religious leaders, and child welfare groups, it ensures safety, accountability, and justice for kids.

Catholic Accountability Project

Narrative B

By forcing priests to break the Seal of Confession, this law undermines religious freedom — targeting Catholic clergy while sparing other professionals. It risks jailing priests for upholding sacred vows, which violates both canon law and constitutional protections. This law prioritizes politics over faith, not child safety.

LifeSite