Category: Religious Expression
Bill Summary
HB 2039 mandates that clergy, priests, and Christian Science practitioners report child abuse or neglect if they believe it is ongoing or likely to recur, even if learned through confidential confessions. By amending the “penitential privilege,” the bill forces religious leaders to prioritize protecting a child’s safety over protecting abusive predators. Incredible that law must specifically compel religious figures to do what basic morality should already dictate: protect children from predators.
Our Position
SUPPORT
Link to Bill:
https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2R/bills/HB2039P.pdf
Bill Sponsor:
Rep Stacey Travers