Three states adopt law requiring Catholic priests to report admissions of child sex abuse. For centuries, the sacrament of reconciliation - known as confession - has been a venerated practice of the Catholic Church, requiring people to reveal their sins to a priest, who must keep the confession secret.
But the seal, or secrecy, of the confessional is under threat in Australia, following an inquiry which recommended that priests be forced to tell police about admissions of sexual abuse of children.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/church-fights-new-law-on-confessions-in-australia
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/church-fights-new-law-on-confessions-in-australia