DOJ Sues Against Law That Church Threatened To Excommunicate Priests Over
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against a new law that demands priests report child abuse revealed during private confession.
One American Archbishop and other Catholic Church figures warned priests will be excommunicated for obiding by Washington State's new law set to take effect on July 27.
Why It Matters
The issue spotlights the enduring tension between religious freedom and the state's duty to protect children from abuse.
The laws proponents argue it's necessary to help safeguard against child abuse, while critics argue that compelling clergy to breach the confessional seal damages their ability to practise religion freely.
The outcome may influence how other states approach mandated reporting requirements for clergy, especially as constitutional and civil rights groups enter the debate.
Stock image shows a priest in the confessional recites the rosary awaiting penitent.
Stock image shows a priest in the confessional recites the rosary awaiting penitent.
Getty Images
What To Know
The Democrat-led state of Washington passed a law in May requiring clergy to report any suspected child abuse and neglect learned during confession, which was previously exempt, within 48 hours of hearing of it.
The Archdiocese of Seattle responded, saying: "Catholic clergy may not violate the seal of confession—or they will be excommunicated from the Church." Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle said: "Priests cannot comply with this law if the knowledge of abuse is obtained during the Sacrament of Reconciliation."
The Justice Department's lawsuit backed the Catholic leaders in a legal filing on Monday, arguing the law "unlawfully targets clergy and, specifically, Catholic priests" and "directly interferes with and substantially burdens this sacred rite" of confession.
"Complying with [new law] SB 5375 under these circumstances would place Catholic priests fundamentally at odds with the core tenets and beliefs of their religion, and even prohibit them from continuing to serve as priests in the Catholic church," it added.
"Under Catholic canon law, priests are "prohibited completely from using knowledge acquired from confession to the detriment of the penitent even when any danger of revelation is excluded."
Washington Senator Noel Frame, a Democrat who sponsored the initial bill, has rejected church leaders' talk of excommunicating priests, and suggested the church change its own rules.
"I am reminded that Canon law has changed many times over the years in the Catholic faith and there's nothing to say they cannot change their rules to allow the reporting of real time abuse and neglect of children," she told NPR last month. "That is within their power to change and I think they should so."
The Justice Department, in a news release announcing the lawsuit, argued the bill "violates the free exercise of religion for all Catholics, and requires Catholic priests to violate the confidentiality seal of Confession" and would deprive them of the free exercise of religion, something protected under the first amendment and the equal protection clause of the fourteenth amendment.
They added that this would subject them to "immediate excommunication from the Catholic Church."
What People Are Saying
Mark Shanahan, who teaches American politics at the University of Surrey in the U.K., told Newsweek via email on Tuesday: "The DoJ has a history of intervening where States impose laws that appear to impinge on citizens' rights to practice religion freely. In so doing, it is upholding rights enshrined by the First Amendment. While the Washington Senate Bill may be making the headlines now, it's just the latest in a long line of state laws that have fallen foul of Constitutional rights."
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said in a release: "Laws that explicitly target religious practices such as the Sacrament of Confession in the Catholic Church have no place in our society. Senate Bill 5375 unconstitutionally forces Catholic priests in Washington to choose between their obligations to the Catholic Church and their penitents or face criminal consequences, while treating the priest-penitent privilege differently than other well-settled privileges. The Justice Department will not sit idly by when States mount attacks on the free exercise of religion."
In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, who signed the law, said: "It is disappointing, but not surprising, to see the DOJ seek to shield and protect child abusers."
What Happens Next
The law is set to go into effect on July 27. Meanwhile, it is facing another lawsuit from bishops of the Archdiocese of Seattle and the dioceses of Spokane and Yakima who raised concerns about religious freedom.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner Are Investing $1.4 Billion To Turn Abandoned Soviet Weapons Base in Albania Into Luxury Island Resort
Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, are set to invest a staggering $1.4 billion into turning an abandoned Soviet weapons base into a luxury island resort—as the former first daughter prepares to follow in her father's footsteps as a real estate developer. Ivanka, 43, and Kushner, 44, who recently finished work on their family mansion in Miami, have spent the past year working on plans to transform the Albanian island of Sazan—one of the last undeveloped islands in the Mediterranean—into a must-visit destination for the wealthy and privileged. The couple, who both served as senior advisors in President Donald Trump's first administration but opted not to rejoin his cabinet after his 2024 election win, took a massive step toward their dream of creating the 'extraordinary' retreat in January, when their plans received preliminary approval from the Albanian government, according to the New York Times. That approval came just two months after Ivanka's father claimed victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, and days before he was inaugurated for the second time, with the outlet noting that the project is 'one of several' involving members of the president's family and foreign government entities that Trump will be actively working with in the White House. Both Kushner and a spokesperson for the Albanian government had previously shut down any suggestion that the project's evaluation process would be in any way influenced by its direct connection to Trump—however, that hasn't stopped questions from being raised over the approval. 'The fact that such a renowned American entrepreneur shows his interest on investing in Albania makes us very proud and happy,' a representative of Albanian President Edi Rama told the Times in 2024. Even before the couple had received approval for their plans, locals were abuzz with speculation about the project, with many now referring to the island as 'Ishulli i Trumpëve,' which translates to 'Trump Island.' Both Ivanka and Kushner have close ties to the real estate industry via their respective families. Before President Trump launched himself into politics, he was best known for his career as a developer, while Kushner's family owns a vast portfolio of commercial, residential, and retail properties in and around New York. However, this project marks the first time that the couple will venture into the heady world of luxury hotels—with multiple reports noting that they face a steep uphill battle before their resort will be ready for visitors. Having conquered the first hurdle—receiving approval from the government to forge ahead with their plans—the duo will now have to tackle the remnants of the island's somewhat dark past as a Soviet-era storage facility for chemical weapons. According to Italian journalist Marzio Mian, who visited the island in July 2024, shortly after Ivanka and Kushner's plans for the 1,400-acre land were revealed, it is littered with 'signs depicting skull and crossbones, warning of landmines,' with visitors to the area warned not to venture too far off specific paths out of fears that they could stumble across an unexploded ordnance. Plans to remove the remaining weapons and ammunition on the island are well underway, however, with the Albanian government announcing in July 2020 that members of the country's armed forces had been despatched to Sazan in order to begin clearing it of any dangerous ordnance. After Ivanka and Kushner's plans for their resort received preliminary approval, the Albanian government confirmed that it would work with them in order to continue clearing their development site of all unexploded and buried weapons. As for the crumbling military buildings and 3,600 derelict bunkers that were abandoned on the island, the couple is reportedly planning to incorporate at least a few of them into their hotel plans—with Ivanka revealing in a 2024 podcast interview that they were working with the 'best architects and the best brands' to make the resort into an 'extraordinary' property. Despite the remnants of the island's dark past as a Communist military base, tourists began flocking to its dazzling beaches as early as 2017, when it was reopened to the public after being closed for years. According to Lonely Planet, the island is easily accessible by regular ferries from Vlore, one of Albania's most popular—and luxurious—tourist destinations, a reputation that Ivanka and Kushner will undoubtedly be keen to transfer to their own high-end hotel. 'Once used as a submarine and chemical-weapons base by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, it's now home to an Albanian-Italian military base used to combat narcotics smuggling,' Lonely Planet states. 'In the summer of 2017, a small area of the island opened to visitors, making parts of its pristine coastline and historic relics accessible for the first time.' President Rama made no secret of his excitement about the Trump-Kushner development, telling The Guardian that he believes Albania 'can't afford not to exploit a gift like Sazan' and adding: 'We need luxury tourism like a desert needs water.' To that end, the government is even in the process of building an airport near Vlore to ferry wealthy tourists directly to the country's most affluent and desirable area—an airport that would also serve as an easy access point for Ivanka and Kushner's hotel. However, not everyone is thrilled about the project, with some critics accusing the Albanian government of a lack of transparency about the deal with the couple, according to the Times. One, Agron Shehaj, who is a member of the opposition party in the Albanian government, told the outlet: 'Of course for Albania, which is a poor country, it is important to develop tourism. But there has been a lack of transparency here, and it makes it look like this is a private deal that is in the political interest of the prime minister of Albania.' Others raised concerns about the impact that the development will have on the island's thriving wildlife, including freelance tour guide Arben Kola, who told The Independent: 'The way tourism works for Sazan at the moment is it helps to preserve nature, not damage it. We shouldn't change that.' Though Kushner has not commented on the recent reports about his proposed tourism mecca, he told The Guardian in 2024 that their plans would carefully consider Sazan's natural environment—stating: 'When people announce a development, everyone gets scared. 'Everybody assumes the worst. But once they see the plans we have, the way we're designing it, the way we're being faithful and considerate of the environment around us, I think that people will be very, very pleased. And again, with developments, you never make everyone happy.' As yet, it is unclear when work on the resort will begin—with documents pertaining to the preliminary government approval noting that officials had the right to revoke the decision pending further negotiations. Buyers Priced Out of Owning Their Dream Home in the Suburbs Have a Solution—They're Renting Behind the White Picket Fences Instead Home Affordability Is 'Historically Low,' Says JPMorganChase Household Real Estate Value Falls in the First Quarter of the Year
The Hill
20 minutes ago
- The Hill
Whistleblower says senior DOJ official expressed willingness to ignore court orders
A former Department of Justice (DOJ) employee alleges in a whistleblower complaint that Principal Assistant Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove made repeated attempts to willingly disobey or ignore court orders. Bove, who is now a judicial nominee for the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, was accused in the complaint of using a 'lack of candor, deliberate delay and disinformation' to violate injunctions against the Trump administration. The complaint, which was sent from the Government Accountability Project to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and the DOJ's inspector general, was first reported by the New York Times, Former government attorney Erez Reuveni alleges in the complaint that DOJ leaders in March and April planned to 'resist court orders' that would slow Trump administration efforts to deport people in the country illegally. In a meeting on March 14 about deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members under the Alien and Enemies Act, Bove, the complaint says, said 'stressed to all in attendance that the planes needed to take off no matter what.' In the face of legal challenges, he proposed the department tell the courts 'f— you,' and 'ignore' court orders blocking the Trump administration's attempted removal of these individuals. In the complaint, Reuveni cited three separate occasions where the DOJ attempted to undermine the rule of law by presenting legal arguments with 'no basis' while 'misrepresenting' facts presented before the court. Reuveni, the complaint says, tried to keep the DOJ's actions in compliance of the law 'and was thwarted, threatened, fired, and publicly disparaged for both doing his job and telling the truth to the court.' He was suspended and ultimately terminated from a 15-year stint at the DOJ in April after, in a hearing in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, agreeing that the Maryland man was removed from the U.S. due to an 'administrative error' by the federal government. Bove, in his time at DOJ, ordered the dismissal of federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D-N.Y.) in his corruption case. Before Trump's election,he served as Trump's defense attorney when the leader was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records. Trump administration officials responded to the allegation by saying Reuveni is a 'disgruntled employee' who issued false allegations about Bove to offset his Wednesday Senate confirmation hearing. 'Note that not a single individual except the disgruntled former employee agrees with the statements cavalierly printed by this purported news outlet,' Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote in a Tuesday post on X. 'I was at the meeting described in the article and at no time did anyone suggest a court order should not be followed,' he added. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, shared heightened concerns about Bove's nomination to serve as a federal judge amid reporting on the complaint. 'These serious allegations, from a career Justice Department lawyer who defended the first Trump Administration's immigration policies, not only speak to Mr. Bove's failure to fulfill his ethical obligations as a lawyer, but demonstrate that his activities are part of a broader pattern by President Trump and his allies to undermine the Justice Department's commitment to the rule of law,' Durbin said in a statement. 'I want to thank Mr. Reuveni for exercising his right to speak up and bring accountability to Mr. Bove. And I implore my Senate Republican colleagues: do not turn a blind eye to the dire consequences of confirming Mr. Bove to a lifetime position as a circuit court judge.'
Newsweek
20 minutes ago
- Newsweek
California Laws Changing July 1: From Pet Insurance to Airbnb Cleaning Fees
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Starting July 1, Californians will see sweeping changes in consumer protections, health coverage, rental disclosures, and public service access, as a slate of new state laws go into effect. The new legislation addresses a wide range of everyday concerns—from hidden cleaning fees in rental agreements and the fine print of pet insurance policies to improved access to mental health crisis support for students. Why It Matters These measures are part of an ambitious legislative agenda championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and approved by the state legislature in Sacramento, aiming to boost transparency and health protections while modernizing court systems and educational support services. What To Know One of the most noticeable changes affects short-term rental customers. Under Assembly Bill 2202, platforms like Airbnb must now show all cleaning fees and penalties before a booking is completed. If they don't, they could be fined up to $10,000. The law also targets surprise fees and requires renters to be told about any cleaning tasks expected during their stay. Pet insurance companies must now also clearly explain why premiums go up. Senate Bill 1217 says insurers have to say if rate hikes are due to a pet's age, location, or other reasons. Policies must also spell out waiting periods, medical exam rules and what conditions aren't covered. Another major change affects subscription services. Businesses offering streaming, food delivery, or other subscriptions must now let people cancel just as easily as they signed up. Assembly Bill 2863 enforces a "click-to-cancel" rule and requires annual reminders with pricing and cancellation info. Health insurance in the state is also expanding. Senate Bill 729 requires most plans to cover infertility diagnoses and treatments, including IVF. There are exceptions for religious employers, and public systems like CalPERS won't have to offer the coverage until July 2027. The bill's author, State Senator Caroline Menjivar, has framed it as a win for reproductive rights. California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference on February 01, 2023 in Sacramento, California. California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference on February 01, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Getty Images The state's 5.8 million schoolchildren will see changes come the start of the new school year. Senate Bill 1063 says middle and high school ID cards must show the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Schools can also add QR codes that link to local mental health support. Mental health advocates say this gives students easier access to help. There are new rules for students with special needs. Assembly Bill 438 stipulates that schools must start planning for these students' futures when they start high school, not wait until age 16. The goal is to help them better prepare for college or work. Remote court access, which started during the pandemic, is also being extended. Assembly Bill 170 allows juvenile and civil courts to keep holding virtual hearings through 2027. Courtrooms must meet new tech standards, and judges must report any technical issues during criminal cases. The CARE Act, which lets people request court-ordered mental health treatment, is also changing. Senate Bill 42 now says courts must inform family members and first responders when cases are delayed, dismissed, or updated. The goal is to keep people better informed. Finally, minimum wage will go up in several counties and cities across the state. What Happens Next Starting July 1, businesses and service providers affected by the changes—including Airbnb, insurance companies, subscription platforms, and school districts—must comply immediately or face fines and legal challenges.
