As it stands, all clergymen in California are “mandated reporters”, meaning the state requires them to report suspected instances of the sexual abuse of a minor. However, the law exempts one who “acquires knowledge or a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect during a penitential communication” – most obviously, Catholic priests hearing confessions.
California’s Senate Bill 360 (SB 360), introduced by Jerry Hill, would change all that. If passed, a priest who learns of predatory behaviour while hearing confessions would be compelled to break the Seal of the Confessional and report the repentant offender. It’s the most extreme reaction by any government entity to the present abuse crisis.
