天主教主教以宗教自由为由,对要求牧师举报在供认中学会的虐待儿童行为的新法律提起诉讼。 Catholic bishops sue over new law requiring priests to report child abuse learned in confession, citing religious freedom.

华盛顿州的天主教主教起诉一项新的法律, 要求牧师报告在供认期间所学的虐待儿童行为, 面临长达一年的监禁, Catholic bishops in Washington state have sued over a new law requiring priests to report child abuse learned during confession, facing up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine for non-compliance. 他们辩称,根据第一修正案,法律侵犯了宗教自由。 They argue the law violates religious freedom under the First Amendment. 该诉讼案得到法律团体的支持,认为法律不公正地以神职人员为目标,剥夺了他们给予其他专业人员的“特权来文”豁免。 The lawsuit, supported by legal groups, contends the law unfairly targets clergy by denying them the "privileged communication" exemption given to other professionals. 美国司法部正在调查这一法律,作为可能的“反天主教”措施。 The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the law as a potential "anti-Catholic" measure.