As soon as once more members of the state Legislature are confronted with a dilemma: find out how to shield youngsters from abuse and neglect but respect the sacrament of sure spiritual faiths.
Final yr, a bill sponsored by state Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, that may have made clergy members necessary reporters of kid abuse and neglect, did not get sufficient assist. This yr, Body is again together with different lawmakers whose aim is to guard youngsters, with Senate Invoice 6298.
Body’s new bill would make licensed clergy mandated reporters, however contains an exemption for when that information of abuse is discovered throughout non-public spiritual confessions, a serious tenet within the Catholic religion. Nonetheless, the invoice carves out an exception to that exemption. Clergy would “have an obligation to warn” legislation enforcement or social providers if there may be affordable perception {that a} little one is in imminent hazard of abuse or neglect, even when that perception is knowledgeable by info obtained “partly on account of a penitential communication,” however corroborated with info obtained exterior of confession.
Although The Occasions editorial board supported final yr’s invoice that supplied no such exemption, SB 6298 is an affordable compromise that respects the spiritual beliefs and practices of clergy members whereas defending the well being and security of kids. The Washington State Catholic Convention additionally helps the invoice with the exemption.
Baby abuse and neglect can have devastating results on survivors, even into maturity.
For many years mother and father have drilled into their youngsters the distinction between acceptable and inappropriate touching, and to report conditions the place they might really feel uncomfortable. Oftentimes conflicts come up when the abuser is the mum or dad, trainer or coach or every other trusted grownup, reminiscent of a clergy member.
“Youngsters have to know that in the event that they ask a trusted grownup like a religion chief for assist, they’ll get assist,” mentioned Body, herself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. “Necessary reporters play a necessary position in defending youngsters, and increasing this accountability to the clergy who’re so essential in our lives as mentors and group leaders is the precise factor to do.”
Pastors, preachers and monks, who say they worth the life of a kid, certainly have a accountability to observe what they preach. That’s a alternative for every clergyperson to make.
State lawmakers have a option to make, too. A vote for SB 6298 is a vote for the protection and welfare of Washington’s youngsters.
