The nation is rightly frustrated over the failure to get to the bottom of the Jeffrey Epstein child sexual abuse network. Any child abuser or accomplice should be swiftly brought to justice. The pursuit of justice, however, must be targeted to be effective and safeguard other liberties.  

This was the case when a federal district court in Washington state recently halted SB 5375, a misguided state law that would have required Catholic priests to report suspected child abuse disclosed during confession. The decision defends religious freedom and better protects children in the long run. 

As a mother and a practicing Catholic, I was horrified by the revelations of clerical sexual abuse that came to light in the early 2000s. The anguish experienced by victims and their families is incalculable. While nothing can undo that harm, the church has taken meaningful steps to prevent future abuse. Through the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops established a nationwide framework for accountability, including mandatory reporting policies........

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