Bishops of Washington sue state, say new law violates the Constitution

Bishops of Washington Sue State, Say New Law Violates the Constitution

By Kate McEntee Deweese | NW Catholic | May 29, 2025

The Catholic bishops of Washington have filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new state law requiring clergy to report abuse disclosed in confession. Represented by Becket, WilmerHale, and First Liberty Institute, the bishops argue the law violates constitutional protections and threatens religious freedom. The law is set to take effect July 27, and would penalize priests who uphold the sacred seal of confession with jail time and fines.

Jean Hill of the Washington State Catholic Conference emphasized that confession is “a sacred trust,” and legal experts call the law “a brazen act of religious discrimination.”