A law passed in the Australian state of Victoria last week would require priests to violate the Seal of Confession if anything in the confession gave them reason to suspect occurrences of child abuse. The new law carries a sentence of up to three years in prison if a mandatory reporter does not report abuse to the authorities.
The law adds religious leaders to the existing list of mandatory reporters. Unlike in other countries with similar laws and policies, reports of child abuse made in a sacramental context are not exempt and must be reported.
Catholic leadership in Victoria has already said they will refuse to comply with the law.
“Personally, I’ll keep the seal,” said Archbishop Peter Comensoli during an August 14 interview with ABC Radio Melbourne, shortly after the bill was introduced to the Victorian parliament.
The archbishop said that the Seal of Confession and the concept of mandatory reporting were “mutually exclusive”, and that he would urge anyone who confessed to abuse to report themselves to the police.
A priest, however, is forbidden both from violating the Seal as well as ordering a penitent to turn themselves in to the authorities.