YAKIMA, Wash. – The state of Washington has reversed its efforts to enforce a law requiring clergy members to report sexual abuse learned under the seal of confession.

In July, just weeks before Senate Bill 53-75 was set to take effect, a federal judge temporarily blocked the law. The Catholic Church had sued, claiming the law violated constitutional rights to religious freedom. Now, the state and the Church have reached a settlement.

This resolution leaves the Diocese of Yakima in the same position it was in before Governor Ferguson signed the Senate bill. The Church already mandates that priests report abuse and neglect to authorities. However, the Church opposed the requirement for priests to report information obtained through confession, which is protected under Catholic doctrine.

See Full Page