DOJ investigates Washington state over new law requiring clergy to report confessional child abuse information.

The US Department of Justice is investigating Washington state over a new law that requires clergy to report child abuse, including information learned during confession. Catholic leaders argue this violates religious freedom and the sacrament of confession. Similar laws exist in other states without leading to arrests of priests. The DOJ is assessing whether the law infringes on religious rights, with new rules set to take effect in July.