AUSTRALIA
7 News
Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu says there is a powerful case to continue preserving the secrecy of the Catholic confessional.
A parliamentary committee into child sex abuse in the church is asking for submissions on whether rules on mandatory reporting of offences against children should be imposed on the confessional.
It will also consider whether new laws should be introduced that would see bishops face criminal charges for the misconduct of their priests.
Mr Baillieu said there was a strong argument for information divulged to priests during confession to remain secret.
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