‘“And the sacramental seal of confession is the worldwide law of the Catholic Church, not just the diocese of Burlington, Vermont,” Coyne said, according to the Associated Press. He added that the bill “crosses a Constitutional protective element of our religious faith: the right to worship as we see fit.’”

Let’s be clear here folks. The Catholic Diocese of Burlington (and really the Catholic Church as a whole) thinks that the right to a confidential confession is more important than the rights of children who have been abused by them. Even though in any context outside of religion (I.e. a therapy session), you would be required to report suspected child abuse. Cultures of silence are dangerous.