If passed into law, SB 5375 would require clergy within all churches, including Kingdom Halls of those in the Jehovah's Witness faith to relay any reports, via a confession or complaint, of child abuse to local authorities. National leadership for the church has said it already has programs in place to address abuse and would comply with any laws passed in Washington.
March 22, 2025
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WA bill mandating clergy report abuse clears Senate floor
OLYMPIA – Rachel Fisher’s parents sang kingdom melodies the day she was born. The sound of religion followed Fisher growing up, where her evenings began with religious studies and ended with Bible dramas lulling her to sleep. Fisher, a fourth-generation Jehovah’s Witness and a survivor of child sexual assault, is an inactive member in her church. She traveled to Olympia to testify in support of a bill that would require clergy members to report child abuse they learn of while performing religious duties.