This is Something to Think About 09.19.19 “Florida Lawmaker Targeting Clergy Confidentiality”

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Bill Bunkley’s “This Is Something to Think About”

Air Date Thursday, September 19, 2019 

“Florida Lawmaker Targeting Clergy Confidentiality” 

Bill Bunkley with Something to Think About

Proposed legislation is being filed for January’s legislative session in Tallahassee.

One such proposal caught my attention. SB 238 by Lauren Book, Democrat from Plantation, Fl., would eliminate the exemption between a Pastor or Priest to have a privileged and confidential conversation with a minor regarding alleged child abuse, abandonment or neglect. That member of the Clergy would have to report the conversation to law enforcement authorities.

Removing the confidential safe haven of a minor seeking counsel from the only person they may feel they can trust is a reach too far. Requiring the reporting of every conversation that potentially could fall under this definition is not a reasonable proposition.

Clergy confidentiality in Florida is important and should remain as it is.  

I’m Bill Bunkley. Catch my show weekdays at 4. Get the latest local and Florida updates by following @wtbn on twitter, or like us on Facebook @ wtbnAM.

Copyright © William H. (Bill) Bunkley 2019 All Rights Reserved.