New legislation would remove the “priest -penitent” privelege

New legislation at the State Capitol would require all clergy in Utah to report any allegation of child abuse, even if they are discovered during a religious confessional.

The bill from Democratic Representative Angela Romero would remove the so-called "priest-penitent" privilege in reporting abuse cases.

Romero argues that religious leaders need to be held to the same standard as teachers and doctors.

Neither the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City nor The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taken an official position on the proposal.