Washington expected to roll back law requiring clergy to break 'sacrament of confession'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Washington has rolled back its attempt to require priests to inform authorities about child abuse in all instances.

Officials reached an agreement with the Catholic church leaders who previously filed a lawsuit against the state on Friday, according to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown’s Office. The agreement makes it so clergy members are still considered mandatory reporters by law, but the state cannot require them to report any abuse revealed through confession.

“Today’s agreement respects the court’s decision in this case and maintains important protections for children,” Attorney General Brown said in a statement. “It keeps crucial portions of Washington’s mandatory reporting law in place, while also preserving the Legislature’s authority to address issu