A federal judge in Washington blocked a state law requiring Catholic priests to notify law enforcement about child abuse when they learn of it through the sacrament of confession, starting later this month.
The court order, issued Friday, came after the Catholic Bishops of Washington sued state officials last month to halt the law, saying it violated the free exercise of religion protected under the First Amendment.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the law, Senate Bill 5375, on May 2.
If there were noncompliance with the law, a priest could face a fine and jail time. It was set to take effect July 27, but the court’s injunction blocks it for now.
“There is no question that SB 5375 burdens Plaintiffs’ free exercise of religion. In situations where Plaintiffs hear confessions related to child abuse or neglect, SB 5375 places them in the position of either complying with the requirements