With a Looming Deadline Washington Law Threatens Priests’ With Jail Time

A new law takes effect in Washington state July 27 that requires priests to report abuse if it's shared during a confessional or face jail time.

IN COURT THIS WEEK

The Catholic bishops of Washington state and a group of priests were in federal court on Monday asking a judge to block the new law. A press release says WilmerHale and co-counsel Becket and First Liberty Institute represent Archbishop Paul Etienne, Bishop Thomas Daly, and Yakima bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima in filing lawsuit in federal court. The Bishops say the new law "forces priests to "choose between breaking the sacred seal of confession or facing jail time."

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DESIGNED TO PROTECT KIDS

The Catholic Church has for years upheld the belief that confession is holy and needs to stay private. Church officials say unless the law is blocked it's set to take effect on July 27 and it calls for up to a year in jail and $5,000 in fines along with potential civil liability on "priests who uphold the seal of confession and obey long-standing Canon law." State officials say the law is designed to protect children. However church officials say the law still allows attorneys maintain confidentiality when given the same information.

REPORTING IS ALREADY REQUIRED

The press release says in both the Archdiocese of Seattle and the Dioceses of Yakima and Spokane, priests-and all Church personnel-are required to report suspected abuse to law enforcement or child protection agencies. They say the policy covers parishes, schools, and other ministries. Church officials say they fully support mandatory reporting except in the sacrament of confession.
The judge is expected to rule within the next week.