Clergy members in Washington state now required to report child abuse confessions under a new extreme law
In May 2025, Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5375 (SB 5375) into law, effective July 27, 2025. This bill requires clergy of all denominations to report suspected child abuse and maltreatment, including instances revealed during confession, to government authorities within 48 hours[1][2].
The law has raised concerns about religious freedom and the inviolability of the confessional seal, particularly within the Catholic Church. Catholic doctrine strictly forbids priests from disclosing information revealed in confession, even cases involving abuse. However, under SB 5375, a priest could face criminal charges if a child admits during a sacred religious rite that their parents will not recognize their preferred gender or support an abortion[1].
Critics argue that this requirement forces religious leaders to act as government informants, undermining religious doctrines and pastoral confidentiality, and criminalizing religious beliefs or parental choices related to gender identity and sexuality[1][2]. The Catholic Church, along with three bishops, has filed a federal lawsuit to block the law's enforcement[2][3].
Supporters of the bill argue that it closes loopholes that allow abuse to go unreported, emphasizing child protection over religious confidentiality[1][2]. However, opponents contend that the law's vague mandates about reporting "maltreatment" and "negligent treatment" could potentially be used to criminalize parents who hold traditional moral beliefs[1].
The Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families has also issued guidance requiring foster parents and caregivers to affirm a child's sexual orientation and gender identity[1]. This raises further concerns about the law's impact on families and religious freedom.
If this law is allowed to stand, other progressive states may adopt similar measures, potentially spying or criminalizing parents who hold traditional moral beliefs. The time to act is now, as another election is just over a year away, and if the courts fail to uphold the First Amendment, Congress must act, stripping federal funds from states that trample religious liberty[1].
References: [1] Haskins, J. (2025). Washington State's SB 5375: A Threat to Religious Liberty and Pastoral Confidentiality. The Heartland Institute. Retrieved from https://www.heartland.org/news-opinion/news/washington-states-sb-5375-a-threat-to-religious-liberty-and-pastoral-confidentiality
[2] The New York Times. (2025). Washington State's Confessional Conflict: Clergy and State Clash Over Child Abuse Reporting. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/01/us/washington-state-confessional-conflict.html
[3] U.S. Department of Justice. (2025). Federal Lawsuit Filed to Protect Religious Liberty in Washington State. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/federal-lawsuit-filed-protect-religious-liberty-washington-state
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