Victory for Survivors: Washington Designates Clergy As Mandated Reporters Of Child Abuse

In a historic step forward for child protection and institutional accountability, the Washington State Legislature has passed SB 5375, adding clergy to the list of mandated reporters, and does not grant them exemption from reporting child abuse if the information was received during a religious confession. The bill passed with a decisive 64 to 31 vote, sending a powerful message: no religious institution is above the law regarding protecting children. This legislative victory follows years of emotional testimony, coalition-building, and unwavering advocacy from survivors and allies—including former Jehovah’s Witnesses, Catholic reformers, tribal leaders, and legal experts.

Published by: Miss Usato, last updated March 15th, 2025

“It’s about protecting children from abusers who hide behind the cloth.” -Mitch Melin

For this article, Mitch Melin, who goes as ‘Ron POMO’ on social media as an advocate against organizations that cover abuse, will be interviewed. We thank Mitch for his push and determination over the past few years in advocating for this bill to be passed, along with all the work he does helping others and bringing transparency to Watchtower’s teachings.

“This bill is not about religious persecution-,” said Mitch in a recent Reddit Post regarding the Washington Bill. “It’s about protecting children from abusers who hide behind the cloth.”

How and When did you become involved with the Washington State Bill?

Mitch: “In 2022, a fellow former Jehovah’s Witness sparked an article by an investigative journalist covering the decades-long history of Jehovah’s Witnesses mishandling of child sexual abuse in Washington. That article caught the attention of state Senator Noel Frame who introduced legislation to close this gap in our reporting laws. I helped, along with other activists, give input into language that would be sure to cover the procedures of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and include Elders in the definition of Clergy for the law.”

Was this your first time testifying for such a cause?

Mitch: “Absolutely. I submitted written testimony for those first hearings in January of 2023. I was still PIMO (Physically in, Mentally out of the Organization) then, but I was aware I was on the local Elder’s radar. The first time I publicly testified was in March, one week after my disassociation was announced. It was the most stressful time in my life, but it was also freeing to speak out like that.”

Was there a moment that made you realize this kind of legal change was necessary?

“Right now I can’t say there was one moment in particular. Yet, the numerous stories of survivors and the gut-wrenching way they were further harmed by how the organization handled it. It was clear from monitoring court cases and news stories worldwide that the only way things would eventually change was if forces outside the organization made them change. Geoffrey Jackson’s testimony at the ARC also stuck with me. He said that it would be easier if the government mandated the reporting. Then, they would comply with the law. They had no intention of enacting a policy of their own accord. The same is true of other religions.”

What SB 5375 and HB 1211 do

For decades, clergy in Washington have had no requirement under the law to report child abuse or neglect. It is one of only a few states to have no statute for clergy. The 2023 legislation introduced to add clergy to the state’s mandated reporters included a “clergy-penitent privilege” similar to most other states. These loopholes have historically exempted religious leaders from mandatory reporting laws and allowed abusers and institutions to remain silent while victims suffered.

It took 3 years of amending, compromising, failing, regrouping, and then fighting against the juggernaut of the Catholic Church’s lobbying group in Washington to get to where we are today.

Now, under SB 5375, all clergy in Washington are mandated reporters—no exceptions. Whether a child discloses abuse during a confession, counseling session, or in passing, clergy are legally required to report it. I’m sure the Watchtower Society isn’t too thrilled about this, given their history on hiding abuse.

“It’s time we stop giving institutions the benefit of the doubt while children suffer in silence,” Mitch said in one of his social media posts.

The bill’s passage follows a fiery and dramatic debate on the House floor on April 11th 2025. Some opponents framed the bill as a threat to religious liberty, using what advocates described as fearmongering and outdated theological tropes.

“One guy sounded like he was auditioning to be a Gilead commander,” quipped an advocate regarding the debate, referencing the dystopian religious leaders from The Handmaid’s Tale.

Religious Lobbying Fails to Derail Bill

Despite intense lobbying from the Catholic Church, which pushed for an exemption to preserve the confessional seal, lawmakers stood their ground. The Jehovah’s Witnesses, also under scrutiny for decades of documented abuse cover-ups, released a statement just weeks before the vote through the Columbia Basin Herald, saying they would follow the law if it passed.

For survivors, this moment has been years in the making.

Mitch: “I’m incredibly proud of the ones who testified,” Mitch said. “It was incredible to work side by side with Catholic and secular activists who share the same goal—ending institutional cover-ups of child abuse.”

How did you react to the Catholic Church’s lobbying efforts to maintain the confessional exemption?

Mitch Melin: “If you’ve seen any of my social media posts, I was pissed! Their arguments were weak and self-serving. Some truly disgusting rhetoric from an organization with such a sordid history of inflicting so much abuse on so many.

At the same time, facing an organization with so much power and influence was intimidating. I’m proud, though, of the things I could say and the arguments our supporters countered them with. Calling them morally bankrupt on this issue while the lobbyists and bishop were in the room felt good.”

The Power of Grassroots Activism

As a former Jehovah’s Witness, how did your personal experiences influence your advocacy work?

Mitch: “Just being involved in the Former Jehovah’s Witness Community -which goes by ‘ExJW,’. The spaces put you in contact with so many victims and hurt people. For so long we were not allowed to speak out against abuses. Many people still might not have that ability. I felt compelled to do what I could. I also tried to get others involved, and I’m so thankful for those who testified, signed in support, or submitted written testimony and emails.

Much of the bill’s success is thanks to the Clergy Accountability Coalition, a grassroots alliance that includes ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses, Catholic reformers, Indigenous leaders, and legal advocates. They coordinated testimony, met with lawmakers, and submitted written support to push the bills through.

Senator Noel Frame captured the emotional gravity of the moment during a recent hearing, publicly confronting church leaders:

“You’re failing us. You’re failing our children,” she said in a rebuke covered by PR Newswire.

The effort also drew support from major outlets, including InvestigateWest, NPR’s 1A, Friendly Atheist, Fox13 Seattle, and KIRO7.”

You worked alongside Catholic, Indigenous, and secular activists—what was that dynamic like?

It was a little strange at first, but that quickly faded. It was incredible to see a diverse group of activists pulled together for a common goal. I feel so connected to some of these people that I still haven’t even met in person.

“This law will save lives.” – Mich Melin

With SB 5375 now passed by both chambers, attention turns to the governor, who has only a few days left in the session to sign the bill into law. When news of his signing arrives, I will update this article.

How do you interpret the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ statement that they will comply with the law? Do you believe that they will abide or attempt something else?

Mitch: “Time will tell. I’m hopeful they will follow through on their statement, but I doubt we will know for sure until a PIMO elder or JW family goes through the process of dealing with an abuser. I doubt they will send a letter to all elders in Washington informing them that they are now mandated reporters. Washington still does not have a formal statewide system of training and registration that they will have to go through.”

What keeps you going, even when the fight feels exhausting?

“It really is a concern for the children being raised inside of the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion,” said Mitch.. “Despite what they may think of me, I have family and friends I care about who are likely going to remain JWs. They think I’m under the influence of Satan himself. But along with others on the outside, we’re working to improve safety and reduce harm for those still inside. Watchtower only changes from outside forces: Time, threats to their income, and the changing public opinion about their religion.

Now that SB 5375 has passed, what’s next? What are you and the coalition focusing on?

My wife and I welcomed our son last year. We really wanted to see the effort through to the end. Now it’s time to focus on the most essential thing in our lives: Our family.

I plan on leaving some social media platforms entirely and significantly reducing the amount of time I spend on the subject of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I’ll still be around and reshare important updates, but it can’t be something I focus on any longer.

I can’t say about the coalition. We’re all still a little shocked that we won.

Washington is now one of a small but growing number of states that have abolished the religious confession exemption in abuse reporting laws. This victory is symbolic for survivors—it’s a turning point.

“We showed them what happens when survivors speak up and refuse to be silenced,” Mitch said. “This law will save lives.”

Miss Usato

Aiding Transparency to Watchtowers teachings. If you have additional information about this topic or would like to reach the author- Please email [email protected]

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