Federal Judge Blocks Washington's Law Requiring Clergy to Report Abuse

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Washington State's Senate Bill 5375, a law that mandates clergy members to report suspected child abuse, including information disclosed during confession. This ruling, delivered on July 18, 2025, highlights the ongoing tension between child protection efforts and religious freedom rights.

Senate Bill 5375, signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on May 2, 2025, requires clergy to report any known or suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families within 48 hours. Notably, the law does not provide exemptions for information obtained during confessional communications, a departure from previous statutes that granted such privileges to clergy. Source

The legislation was championed by Senator Noel Frame, a Seattle Democrat and survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Frame emphasized the necessity of the bill, stating, "Children need trusted adults. They need to know that if they tell somebody they’re being abused... that they can trust that that person will make it stop." Source

The enactment of SB 5375 prompted immediate legal challenges. On May 29, 2025, the Catholic bishops of Washington State filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing that the law infringes upon the sacred seal of confession—a core tenet of Catholic doctrine—and places priests in a position where they must choose between violating their religious vows or complying with state law. Source

Subsequently, on June 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against Washington State, contending that SB 5375 violates the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The DOJ argued that the law unconstitutionally forces Catholic priests to choose between adhering to their religious obligations and complying with state law. Source

On July 18, 2025, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the implementation of SB 5375. The court acknowledged that the law burdens the free exercise of religion, particularly concerning the confidentiality of religious sacraments.

Supporters of the law argue that mandatory reporting by clergy is essential for protecting children and preventing abuse cover-ups. They contend that no institution should be above the law when it comes to safeguarding children. Senator Frame, reflecting on her personal experience, stated, "Kids need to know that if they ask a trusted adult like a faith leader for help, they’ll get help." Source

Opponents, particularly within the Catholic Church, argue that the law infringes upon religious freedoms by compelling clergy to violate the seal of confession. They express concern that such mandates could deter individuals from seeking spiritual guidance and confession, potentially leading to less reporting of abuse overall. Seattle Archbishop Paul Etienne emphasized the church's commitment to protecting children but maintained that the seal of confession is inviolable. Source

Washington State's legislative action is part of a broader national conversation about the role of clergy in mandatory reporting laws. In recent years, several states have considered or enacted similar laws, often facing significant opposition from religious organizations. For instance, in Utah, efforts to modify laws that exempt religious clergy from reporting child sexual abuse stalled due to strong opposition from influential religious groups.

The controversy surrounding Washington State's SB 5375 underscores the ongoing national debate over the responsibilities of clergy in reporting child abuse and the extent to which religious freedoms are protected under the Constitution. As legal proceedings continue, the outcomes may set significant precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, influencing both legislative actions and religious practices nationwide.