Washington state is on track to require clergy members to report instances of child abuse or neglect, even when such disclosures arise during confession.
In a decisive move, nearly two-thirds of state House members approved Senate Bill 5375 on Friday night, adding religious leaders to the ranks of mandatory reporters, which already includes school counselors, police, and nurses.
The bill passed with a 64-31 vote and now awaits the signature of Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson.
State Senator Noel Frame, a Democrat from Seattle and the bill’s sponsor, expressed her support for the legislation.
“It’s long past time for this protection for children,” Frame stated after the vote.
“Members of the clergy play such an important role in the lives of children, just like teachers and doctors do, and just like those other trusted adults, clergy should be mandatory reporters.”
While over half of U.S. states require clergy to act as mandatory reporters, many allow exemptions for confessions.
If Governor Ferguson signs the bill into law, Washington will join a small group of states, including New Hampshire and West Virginia, where confessional discussions are not exempt from reporting requirements.
The removal of the privilege surrounding confessions was a central point during the House floor debate on Friday.
Republican Representative Jeremie Dufault from Selah argued that the bill represents an “attack on the Catholic and other faiths.”
Some Republicans indicated they could support the legislation if the confessional privilege remained intact.
Representative Tom Dent, a Republican from Moses Lake, voiced his frustration regarding child abuse.
“I have anger at people that do this because it is so wrong. I want something that will work,” Dent said.
He added, “There is no way we can enforce this.”
Representative Carolyn Eslick, a Republican from Sultan, shared her personal experience, stating she was abused as a five-year-old by a family friend.
However, she expressed skepticism that similar laws in other states have effectively reduced instances of child abuse and neglect.
Proponents of the bill argued that it would provide essential protections for children.
Supporters contend that if a child confides in a religious leader about being mistreated, the child should trust that the leader will take action to help them.
Democrat Monica Stonier, a representative from Vancouver and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, emphasized the importance of making abuse known.
“What makes a difference is when it stops. It stops when it becomes known,” Stonier stated.
Under current state law, professionals such as teachers, police, registered nurses, and social service counselors are obligated to report any reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or the Department of Children, Youth and Families.
The newly passed bill now adds clergy to this group but maintains their privilege of not being compelled to testify in court or criminal cases.
In the legislation, a “member of the clergy” is defined to encompass any regularly licensed, accredited, or ordained minister, priest, rabbi, imam, elder, or similarly positioned religious or spiritual leader.
The Washington State Catholic Conference opposed the bill, asserting that it would compel priests to violate the seal of confession, which is regarded as a sacred promise.
Critics, including Republican Representative Hunter Abell from Inchelium, warned that the law might push abusers to seek confidential counsel in secret, ultimately endangering children further.
“It will drive these conversations underground. No children will be protected,” Abell said.
This bill marks the third consecutive year that Senator Frame has attempted to legislate this change.
“It’s finally on its way to the governor’s desk,” Frame noted with gratitude towards the abuse survivors who advocated for this legislation throughout the years.
“I hope their pain is lessened by the knowledge that there are future children who won’t have to suffer like they did, thanks to their advocacy,” she concluded.
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