Jim Walsh Wants to Protect Priests Over Kids
Today, the Washington State Republican Party, headed by Chair Rep Jim Walsh, from the 19th Legislative District, announced that they believe protecting priests is more important than protecting children from sexual abuse. Their statement, which supports the federal lawsuit against Senate Bill 5375, shows that they are not interested in protecting children from predators.
SB5375 goes into effect in Washington state on July 27, 2025. This bill mandates that members of the clergy report suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. This bill clarifies that clergy members cannot use religious privilege, such as the right to confidentiality through confession, as a defense against mandatory reporting. Our state Republicans have joined Trump's GOP lead DOJ in suing Washington State to try to prevent its enactment. Representative Walsh, in his usual abrasive fashion, attacked Governor Ferguson for signing “unconstitutional legislation promoted by anti-religion zealots.”
This law’s only purpose is to protect children and ensure predators are reported. Instead of stepping up to protect the children of the 19th LD Rep. Walsh wants to protect predators and use religion to justify it.
Currently, 26 states require clergy to be mandated reporters. Those states are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Some go beyond just mandating reporting. However, this information was left out of the WAGOP statement.
We need to stop Representative Jim Walsh and his GOP friends, like Representative Joel McIntyre and Senator Jeff Wilson, from further damaging our children. We need to stand up and fight back from this
This is the same GOP Party who wants to prevent kids from accessing gender affirming care.
The same GOP Party who wants to cut children's access to food and healthcare coverage from Medicaid and SNAP.
The same GOP Party who are breaking apart families in ICE raids across the county. Including our State!
When will the GOP attacks on our children stop?
Cowlitz County Democrats need to say enough is enough. We need to stand up to their agenda and prevent further harm to our children. Cowlitz County Democrats will continue to notify all of you when your Republican Representation in our state is harming our citizens.
How can you fight back?
Vote the GOP out in 2026! We have had enough, and they need to go!
Call your representatives and let them know you want them to do better! Now!!
Jim Walsh (360) 786-7806
Joel McIntyre (360) 786-7870
Jeff Wilson (360) 786-7636
Members of the local GOP are at our Marches. Let's show them we will show up and we will protect our children.
Cowlitz County Democrats
Chris Carlson-Chair