OCA sues Washington over law
NEW LAW FORCES PRIESTS TO REVEAL CONFESSIONS
The Orthodox Church in America and three other Orthodox jurisdictions are suing Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and dozens of county prosecutors to stop a new law that forces priests to reveal confessions.
According to the new law, priests face up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and civil liability if they do not report confessions of past child abuse. Lawyers retain attorney-client confidentiality, but clergy are specifically targeted by the law.
“That’s rank religious discrimination,” Alliance Defending Freedom’s John Bursch said. “We are urging the court to swiftly restore this constitutionally protected freedom of churches and priests.”
Washington’s Catholic bishops have also filed a lawsuit challenging the law and have filed for an injunction to stop the law from going into effect while the lawsuit plays out. The US Department of Justice is investigating the law.
https://catholicvote.org/orthodox-churches-priest-file-lawsuit-challenging-washington-law-that-violates-confession-seal/
What an overreach of government. And taking away our most sacred rite. People will stop going to confessions, and/or priests will end up in prison. This is just going too far.