FFRF Action Fund’s “Secularist of the Week” is a Washington lawmaker who is working to require the state to add clergy members to the list of mandated reporters of child abuse.
Wash. state Sen. Noel Frame, representing Washington’s 36th District, introduced SB 5375 late last month, which would add “member of the clergy” to the list of state-mandated reporters of child abuse. It would notably also dictate that clergy members are not protected from mandated reporting when learning about abuse through confession. State law currently dictates that if clergy members learn about abuse during a confession, they are not required to report it. The rationale for such exceptions is that these communications are required to be confidential by canon law or church doctrine.
During the bill’s hearing last week, Frame referenced her attempt to pass a bill last year which had provided for exceptions for “penitential communication,” noting that the bill fell apart after the revelation that three separate archdioceses were being investigated. “And quite frankly, it made it hard for me at a personal level to stomach any argument about religious freedom being more important than preventing the abuse, including the sexual abuse, of children,” Frame continued.
Frame bravely shared her own story, saying, “Everybody that’s been following this bill knows that this one is personal for me, as a survivor of sexual abuse myself — an abuse that only stopped when I told a mandated reporter, which was a teacher.” Frame added, “So I have tried really hard over the last couple of years to find a balance and to strike a careful compromise. I’m just here to say, for those who I tried to work with, I’m really sorry that I don’t feel like I can make a compromise for you anymore, and I stand by the bill with no exemption.”
Sharon Huling with the Clergy Accountability Coalition gave testimony at the hearing, pointing out that confession overall would still be protected, and only confessions of child abuse and neglect would require clergy members to go to authorities. In Washington, mandated reporters are required by law to “report suspicions of abuse within 48 hours.” Reporters face a misdemeanor charge, prison time and a $5,000 fine if they fail to do so.
Frame was joined on SB 5375 by five other Democrats. If the bill passes, it would go into effect on July 26.
FFRF Action Fund thanks Frame for leading this important fight in Washington state. We urge the Washington Legislature to do everything in its power to protect its children by approving this bill.
FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.