I had no idea! I mean, I realize that the Catholic Church insists that priests must not report crimes revealed in "confession." But as a gay man who the Catholic Church calls "depraved" and "disordered," I already view that institution as sickening, disgusting, and overtly cruel. (Especially since they show zero signs of doing anything about reforming that horrifying doctrine.)

But I did not realize states had laws in place permitting ALL members of the clergy to cover up sex abuse.

I think of myself as pretty well informed, and this is news to me! Wow. Thank you for this excellent article.