Washington State has abandoned a legal dispute that sought to compel Roman Catholic priests to breach the sacrament of confession, marking a significant resolution for religious freedom advocates. The agreement was announced by the Washington State Catholic Conference on October 10, ending efforts to enforce a law requiring clergy to report child abuse disclosed during confessions.
The legislation, set to take effect in July, threatened priests with up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and civil liability for failing to report abuse heard in confession. While the state argued the measure protected minors, it maintained confidentiality for other professionals like attorneys but excluded clergy in cases involving sacramental confession.
The Washington State Catholic Conference welcomed the settlement, stating, “We’re grateful Washington ultimately recognized it can prevent abuse without forcing priests to violate their sacred vows.” The organization emphasized that the Church supports mandatory reporting outside of confessional settings, citing existing requirements for diocesan personnel to report suspected abuse to law enforcement.
A federal court had previously ruled the law likely violated constitutional protections for religious freedom, with a judge noting the “unconstitutional dilemma” it created for priests. Similar disputes have emerged in other states, including California, where a 2019 bill targeting confession reports was withdrawn amid public and legal backlash.
The Catholic Church upholds the seal of confession as absolute, with violations punishable by excommunication or removal from the priesthood. Clergy have consistently stated they would prefer imprisonment over breaking confidentiality. The settlement ensures priests can continue administering the sacrament without fear of legal repercussions.
