California is introducing a bill requiring Catholic church members to report child sexual abuse, even if the information was obtained in confession. Cardinal Blase Cupich spoke in Vatican City earlier this week, saying the Catholic church is working to move forward in truth.
Currently, what’s said in confession is an exception to the mandated reporters law and priests cannot be forced by police to share information related to suspected crimes. Democratic state Senator Jerry Hill introduced the bill Wednesday, saying the exemption for clergy only protects the abuser and places children at further risk.