OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new law that could require priests to break confession in Washington has been blocked in federal court.

The law, which was originally set to take effect on Sunday, July 27 was given a preliminary injunction by a federal judge on July 18.

Under it, clergy could face misdemeanor charges if they don’t report a potential case of child abuse or neglect.

The ruling states that in Washington, a gross misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum of 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $5,000.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the U.S. Department of Justice sued on the grounds that the new law infringes on religious freedom by forcing Catholic priests to break the confidentiality seal of confession.

In the ruling, the judge says that because breaking confession would result in automatic excommunication and potential eternal damnation, the clergy will not comply with the law.

They add that people will be less likely to seek confession under the new rules.