For Those Who Argue That the First Amendment Protects

[zipplewrath]

4. Your correct

Where child sexual abuse by priests is involved, the so-called "sanctity of the confessional" is overridden by the harm caused to the child, who cannot consent to such sexual acts.

The problem is two fold. First, you have to establish in court that the confessional priest (not the predator) actually was told of the abuse. If you were successful, it wouldn't change much because the priest STILL isn't going to break his vows. So you'll never get testimony out of him.

The real problem is that the priest is following what he considers to be a "higher law". The courts have generally allowed them their protection, but I suspect after all of this stuff, they may be willing to reconsider. Although it is a problem considering how many Catholics are on the Supreme Court.