US state to introduce criminal liability for refusing to break confessional seal

The Sacrament of confession in a Catholic church. Illustrative photo: Depositphotos

In December 2025, a bill was introduced in the American state of Arizona, which provides for criminal liability for priests for refusing to disclose information obtained during confession, reports the Catholic News Agency.

The bill requires priests to report abuse learned during confession if they have “reasonable suspicion to believe that the abuse is ongoing, will continue, or may be a threat to other minors”.

In case of refusal, a priest may face felony charges, including imprisonment and a large fine. Critics of the initiative point out that such measures effectively place the clergy in a position of choosing between complying with state laws and remaining faithful to religious obligations.

Religious leaders emphasize that the seal of confession is absolute and allows no exceptions, and forcing its violation is tantamount to state interference in the sphere of religion and distorting the essence of Christian sacraments.

Previously, similar attempts to adopt such norms in other US states have already led to legal disputes and were blocked by courts as unconstitutional. Experts note that if the bill is passed, Arizona may also face extensive litigation at the federal level.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the RСС diocese in U.S. sponsors adoption by LGBT individuals.

Read also