Emotions ran high as state lawmakers debated mandatory reporting of child abuse by members of the clergy with most of the debate centered around confession — the voluntary self-accusation of one’s sins to a qualified priest.
In a deeply divided vote, the House included confessions and now the Senate must agree with the addition of a confession before it goes to the governor for approval.
“Every Catholic talks about why its so important to go to confession — it saves our soul,” Rep. Alex Ybarra (D-13) said on the House floor. “What this bill does is attack Catholics. Right now, you guys are attacking Catholics.”
