Hong Kong Bill Threatens Confessional Seal

Catholic priests could face pressure to violate the sacramental seal of confession if a new security bill becomes law in Hong Kong, human rights advocates said Wednesday. 

A group of 13 activists and three organizations signed a March 13 statement expressing “profound and grave concerns about the implications for the practice of freedom of religion or belief in Hong Kong” if lawmakers approve the Safeguarding National Security Bill.

Activists’ concerns focus on Clause 12 of the bill, which says that if citizens are aware that another person “committed, is committing, or is about to commit an offense,” they must disclose the information to a police officer or face a 14-year prison sentence.

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