No one should be surprised that Democrats are going after Christianity, are they? Because the law doesn’t mention Islam
Washington Governor Signs Law Steamrolling One Of Catholicism’s Most Sacred Practices
Democratic Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a bill May 2 forcing Catholic priests to break their seal of confession in cases of alleged child abuse.
The bill, introduced in the state senate in January, requires clergymen to be added to the state’s list of mandatory reporters in cases of suspected abuse or neglect of a child, even if the information is discovered during a confessional. “Except for members of the clergy, no one shall be required to report under this section when he or she obtains the information solely as a result of a privileged communication as provided in RCW 5.60.060,” the legislation read.
Ferguson, who is Catholic, signed the bill into law and told reporters he felt it was “pretty straightforward,” KXYL.com reported.
“My uncle was a Jesuit priest for many years, (I’ve) been to confession myself – and so I’m very familiar with that,” Ferguson said. “I felt this was important legislation and protecting kids is first priority.”
You can tell your lawyer something in privilege, but, not your clergy. Which does seem to be aimed directly at Catholics. They could have used language that mentioned any religious leaders who are told things in confidence, but, they didn’t. Regardless, does this violate the 1st Amendment?
But, it was not the federal congress passing a law about religion, violating the 1st Amendment. Does Washington state passing a law violate the 1st? How about the Washington state Constitution?
Absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief and worship, shall be guaranteed to every individual, and no one shall be molested or disturbed in person or property on account of religion; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the peace and safety of the state….
In other words, the state of Washington can apparently come after the Catholic church, and any religion, if they think they are involved in, well, damned near anything if it offends the state. Per that last bit they can tell people they are not allowed to protest against LGBTwhatever and abortion and other things Democrats support.
The solution, per Washington clergy, is to hold confession without knowing who the person is. If someone wants to tell them something in privilege names and faces will be hidden. Or people just won’t be able to practice their religion. But, of course, if it is a Muslim a jihadi can tell their Imam they are planning to blow something up and it would be no legal problem.
So, Washington wants more mandatory reporters for child abuse, yet the LGBTQWERTY crowd openly and flagrantly abuse children with impunity.
Like I’ve said before, the left is all about power, nothing else. They couldn’t care less that children are being abused.
So Washington state takes another step deeper into Progressive Hell. It’s like they’re trying to out-California California, or worse, Portland.
“I don’t know” and “I can’t remember” are the two best answer when responding to opposing counsel. Make a mockery of this legislation. I have no religion at all but I respect those that do and this stinks.
“Go F&%k yourself” also works.
Churches have had their own problems with child abuse. Anyway, this policy will be nearly impossible to enforce.
Washington joins Oklahoma, Connecticut, Nebraska, Indiana, Mississippi, Texas and West Virginia in prioritizing child welfare over church rules. Some states do not address the issue (HI, IA, KA).
The majority of states include statement(s) similar to (from AZ):
Churches have used ‘confidentiality’ to hide child abuse for centuries.
Rimjob giving a sermon on child abuse.
It’s to laugh. Bwaha!
Pissant,
There was no sermon.
In any event, I’ve expressed my condolences to you regarding the abuse you received from your Uncle Ernie. Clearly, you’re a damaged soul.
ED: “Washington joins [list of states] in prioritizing child welfare over church rules.”
At the same time, Washington joins [list of other states] in prioritizing teacher’s unions and the sexually deviant over child welfare.
ED: “Churches have used ‘confidentiality’ to hide child abuse for centuries.”
Unlike public schools, which abuse children right out in the open, daring anyone to do anything about it.
You’re a lying idiot.
This law could still apply to clergy who learn of abuse outside the seal of the confessional. I am sure that priests in the scope of their normal pastoral duties would observe all sorts of things. The Left likes to focus on the priests themselves as the perps, but this sort of law has all sorts of repercussions on the broader community. I am pretty sure though that real child molesters don’t tell their priests that they are doing it.
And leftist constantly caterwaul, mewl and bellow about overreach…
Project much?