Tacoma, WA – Peter Breen, Executive Vice President and Head of Litigation at Thomas More Society, reacts to a federal judge’s decision granting a preliminary injunction in the Washington seal of Confession case, Etienne v. Ferguson, blocking Washington Senate Bill 5375 from being enforced:

“Today’s court victory for Washington’s Catholic bishops and priests, in the face of the state’s unconstitutional attack on the sacred seal of Confession, sends a message. The government has no place interfering in the deeply held religious practices and sacramental life of the Church,” Breen stated. “We are grateful that the court has recognized the serious constitutional concerns at stake and has issued this preliminary injunction to protect Catholic priests from being compelled to violate the seal of Confession. Such blatant anti-First Amendment policies cannot stand, as we made clear in our amicus brief for Bishop Robert Barron.”

“This injunction is a significant and encouraging first step and should serve as a warning to state lawmakers nationwide, who are considering similar policies that meddle in the free exercise of faith. Thomas More Society remains steadfast in our commitment to defending religious liberty and the freedom of the Church against government overreach. We are grateful for Bishop Robert Barron’s vocal leadership on this issue which reflects the courage and clarity needed when governments attempt to interfere with religion,” Breen added.

Representing the Most Reverend Robert Barron, Thomas More Society attorneys filed an amicus curiae, or “friend of the court” brief, urging a federal court to strike down Washington’s Senate Bill 5375.

In the brief, Thomas More Society attorneys highlighted the SB 5375’s discriminatory purpose, evidenced by its legislative text and history, which includes the removal of the prior clergy-penitent privilege exception and the sponsoring legislator’s disparaging remarks about Confession, exemplifying an overt and unconstitutional targeting of Catholic religious exercise.