The Catholic bishops of Washington want the federal courts to block a new Washington law that takes effect on July 27.

THE BISHOPS HAVE FILED A LAWSUIT

The law in question requires priests to report abuse if it's shared during a confessional. A press release says attorneys for the bishops including bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima filed an initial lawsuit in federal court last week. The Bishops say the new law forces priests to "choose between breaking the sacred seal of confession or facing jail time."

THE CHURCH ALREADY REQUIRES PRIESTS TO REPORT ABUSE

The release says the Catholic Church currently requires priests to report abuse to authorities however the exception is if the information is learned during a confession. The Bishops say the new allows protections for lawyers but not pr

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