Washington State Pauses Controversial Law Forcing Orthodox Priests To Break Confessional Seal

Washington State Pauses Controversial Law Forcing Orthodox Priests To Break Confessional Seal

Washington State agreed to halt enforcement against the Orthodox churches after another court granted a preliminary injunction to Catholic churches and priests The post Washington State Pauses Controversial Law Forcing Orthodox Priests To Break Confessional Seal first appeared on Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion.

An Impossible Choice for Priests

Washington state’s new law puts clergy in a bind: Break your vows or break the law. Washington state wants to put priests in an impossible bind: Break your vows or break the law. A new law, signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson in May, would require clergy to violate the confessional’s seal of confidentiality if they hear about potential child abuse. Failing to break the seal and report suspected abuse to authorities carries a penalty of up to 364 days in…

Washington's child abuse reporting law begins, but priests get legal breather

By Cassy Benefield | FāVS News Reporter A clergy mandatory reporting law in Washington meant to protect children from child abuse and neglect, according to advocates, goes into effect Sunday (July 27). However, SB 5375 will not go into effect for the Roman Catholic Church or a handful of Orthodox jurisdictions in the state.  The new law requires all clergy or those in similar professions in Washington to report child abuse and neglect even withi…