Catholic bishops in Washington have filed a lawsuit challenging a new law that requires clergy to report child abuse, even if the information is revealed during confession.

The suit, submitted last Thursday to the U.S. District Court, comes from the bishops of the Archdiocese of Seattle and the Dioceses of Spokane and Yakima, along with several Catholic priests.

In the complaint, they describe the law as “a blatant intrusion into the free exercise of the Roman Catholic faith” and argue it puts priests in an impossible position: violate sacred Church teaching or face criminal consequences.

According to Catholic Canon Law, the seal of confession is absolute and any priest who breaks it is automatically excommunicated from the Church.

Supporters of the law, signed by Governor Bob Ferguson and set to take effect on 27th July, say it closes a dangerous loophole and applies to all clergy equally.

However, the bishops argue that the law unfairly singles out religious professionals, pointing out that other confidential relationships, such as between doctors and patients or lawyers and clients, remain protected.

The U.S. Department of Justice has already opened an investigation into whether the law violates First Amendment rights.

The church leaders are asking the court to block the law’s enforcement, declare it unconstitutional, and cover their legal costs.