Religion

Exempting one group of people from the mandatory reporting law does have a definite impact. If almost everyone involved with people who interact with children is a mandated reporter, the exempt group makes no sense at all. My state exempts priests and other clergy members, too.

No, it won't "solve the Catholic abuse problem," but it could and would help to reduce the number of crimes against children that go unreported. I strongly favor making ALL people who work in areas where they come into contact with people who are around children be mandatory reporters, including clergy.


There should be no exemptions for one group on the basis of religion. Period. In fact, religion should never be a cause to exempt anyone from any legal responsibility.

Nothing will stop all instances of child sexual abuse. Mandatory reporters, however, do reduce the number of instances and help law enforcement find offenders.

Make the clergy mandatory reporters. Just do it!