The state Senate unanimously passed a bill that makes clergy mandatory reporters, but it includes a big exception for confession.
“I think it’s a huge problem. For example, I was raped by a parish priest when I was seven and I could have very possibly gone to him for confession,” said Mary Dispenza of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and Nuns.“I don’t think the seal of confession protects children, I believe it harms them,” she said.
“I think the strongest possible bill should pass,” said sponsor Rep. Amy Walen . “We’ve grown beyond a time where we can allow that to continue, where terrible things can be confessed and kept secret even though children are harmed.”
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