A newly signed law in Washington State is drawing national outrage among Catholics and defenders of religious liberty. On May 2, Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5375, a controversial measure that requires clergy of all religions to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect — even if the information is disclosed during the Sacrament of Confession.
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No Exemption for Catholic Confession in New Law
Unlike past attempts at similar legislation, this Washington law offers no exemption for the seal of confession, a sacred Catholic doctrine that prohibits priests from revealing anything shared during confession — under any circumstances. The Church teaches that the seal is absolute, and breaking it is a grave sin, punishable by excommunication.
Catholic Leaders Vow to Protect the Seal — Even If It Means Jail
Catholic bishops and priests across Washington are pushing back. Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane responded with a defiant statement, promising that clergy in his diocese would rather face jail than violate the confessional seal.
“I want to assure you that your shepherds — bishop and priests — are committed to keeping the seal of confession, even to the point of going to jail,” Bishop Daly declared.
“The Sacrament of Penance is sacred and will remain that way in the Diocese of Spokane.”
Governor Defends Law Despite Being a Practising Catholic
Governor Ferguson, who identifies as a practising Catholic, defended his decision, stating that child protection must take precedence over religious exemption.
“Protecting our kids is the most important thing,” Ferguson said.
“This is important legislation for protecting kids.”
Despite acknowledging that he has received the sacrament of confession, Ferguson insisted that the law was necessary.
Abuse Survivor and Senator Backs Confession Reporting Requirement
The bill’s lead sponsor, Senator Noel Frame (D-Seattle), is a survivor of childhood abuse and firmly opposed granting any religious exemption.
“You never put somebody’s conscience above the protection of a child,” Frame stated.
“It is critical that there are no loopholes — not even for confession.”
Diocese of Spokane Defends Existing Safeguards Against Abuse
In response to critics, the Diocese of Spokane reaffirmed its commitment to child protection, highlighting its full-time Office of Child and Youth Protection, staffed by lay professionals and guided by a zero-tolerance policy.
Bishop Daly challenged lawmakers who question the Church’s efforts to keep children safe:
“Speak with any Catholic school teacher, parish volunteer, or priest.
Our goal is to do everything within our power to keep your children safe while we lead them to know and love Jesus Christ.”
Religious Freedom Advocates Say Law Violates Constitution
Opponents of the law argue that it directly violates the First Amendment right to religious freedom. Bishop Daly underscored this point:
“An important element to the greatness of America is our Constitutional commitment to religious freedom.”
Legal experts and religious liberty advocates warn that this law could set a dangerous precedent, forcing the state into the realm of spiritual authority.
Similar Confession Laws Fail in Other States
Washington is among the first states to pass such a sweeping mandate. However, similar legislation has been proposed in Montana, Delaware, and Vermont — and has failed to gain enough support.
These bills have consistently drawn strong opposition from Catholic leaders, civil rights groups, and legal scholars.
The Seal of Confession: A Centuries-Old Catholic Tradition
The seal of confession is one of the most sacred and unbreakable doctrines of the Catholic Church, dating back centuries. The Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 decreed that any priest who reveals a sin confessed in the sacrament must be stripped of office and sent into lifelong penance.
Historically, many Catholic priests have chosen imprisonment, torture, or even martyrdom rather than betray the confessional seal. The Church honours several of these priests as saints who died defending the faith.
Nationwide Impact Likely as Law Raises Alarming Questions
While the Archdiocese of Seattle and the Diocese of Yakima have yet to comment publicly, many expect statements soon as public pressure mounts. Meanwhile, the national conversation about religious freedom, confession, and abuse reporting intensifies.
As Washington enforces a law that compels clergy to choose between obeying civil law and remaining faithful to their Church, the ripple effects may soon reach other states. For many Catholic priests, however, the choice is already made: they will protect the confessional — even if it costs them their freedom.
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