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DOJ Challenges Washington's Clergy Child Abuse Reporting Law

5/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice is taking a stand against Washington State's new law, SB 5375, which mandates clergy to report child abuse revealed during confession. The DOJ contends this law infringes on the First Amendment, compelling Catholic priests to compromise their sacred beliefs and stripping away the sanctity of confessions.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice is taking a stand against Washington State's new law, SB 5375, which mandates clergy to report child abuse revealed during confession. The DOJ contends this law infringes on the First Amendment, compelling Catholic priests to compromise their sacred beliefs and stripping away the sanctity of confessions.