AUSTRALIA
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The Victorian State Parliamentary enquiry into child sexual abuse by clergy is expected to release its report on Wednesday, 13th November. It is also anticipated that many people will turn out at Parliament House to demonstrate their views on the possible recommendations.

Leaks to the media suggest that the report will include a call for a law to create a new criminal offence “for ministers of religion who fail to report physical or sexual abuse of children by other clergy.” The offence is likely to involve a prison sentence, although nothing has been revealed concerning the possible length of such sentences.

The Catholic Church has previously claimed that admissions revealed in the confession box would not be referred to the civil authorities. No less an official than Australia’s only Cardinal, George Pell (see previous postings) has expressed this view. Others have claimed they would rather face imprisonment…