Catholic Bishops Sue Washington over Law Forcing Priests to Break Confessional Seal in Child Abuse Cases

WA bishops lawsuit says new state law is ‘brazen’ attack on Catholics

A lawsuit by Washington State Catholic bishops says a new law, signed by Gov. Bob Furguson, is a brazen attack on a 2,000-year-old tenant of the Catholic faith – the seal of Confession.

Catholic bishops sue Washington state over law requiring clergy to report child abuse

The Trump administration has launched an investigation into the law, calling it "anti-Catholic." The bishops say it would force them to break their oaths.

Bishop challenges Washington clergy reporting law in federal court

SPOKANE, Wash. – A new law in Washington requiring clergy to report suspected child abuse, even if revealed during confession, is facing legal challenges from several Catholic bishops, including Spokane's Bishop Thomas Daly.

Washington State Went After the Seal of Confession. Now, Several Bishops Are Fighting Back.

Catholic bishops sue over law forcing priests to violate the seal of confession

Roman Catholic bishops from the state of Washington have filed a lawsuit challenging a new law that forces them to violate the confessional seal, calling it "a blatant intrusion" on their First Amendment rights.  #Confession #Abuse #Priests #CatholicChurch #Washington #FirstAmendment #Religiousliberty

Bishops Sue Washington Over Law That Would Force Them To Violate the Sanctity of Confession in Child Abuse Cases

The measure, signed by the governor, could lead to clergy being excommunicated, fined and incarcerated.