the same thing happens in public schools in their confessional booths, right?

Does the military, too? The Police?

I'm so confused, now...

My penance was a dirty look and The Walk of Shame back to my desk. If that had gotten out the scandal would have been horrendous. My parents might have given me a really long lecture.

What, two Our Fathers and one Hail Mary ain't enough for yiz?

The environment
Physical health
Mental health
Freedom
Liberty
...
...
...
(way down on list) Sacraments

They have nothing to do with society, and should not weigh at all on legal matters. They are immaterial, and apply only within a particular religion.

There is nothing special about a priest or pastor. Both are citizens and subject to civil law. If a religious sacrament harms individuals, either by commission or omission, it should be void under the law, in my opinion. To do otherwise is to establish that religion above the law, which is prohibited by the 1st Amendment of the Constitution.

We allow the sacrament of marriage and allow religious leaders to perform and record marriages. However, it is not a requirement. Judges and other officials can perform marriages, as can a number of others in most states.

We don't regulate mass, communion or the eucharist, because it has no impact on society, and is just part of religous worship.

No harm to society is done by the sacrament of last rites, so there are no laws against that, either. Baptism is purely religious, as well. So are the sacraments of holy orders and confirmation. They have nothing to do with the society in general.

The only sacrament that affects the law, really, is the sacrament of reconciliation, which includes confession, penance and absolution. The church cannot absolve crimes. Absolution only has to do with religion. Crimes are state issues. There should be no protection from legal justice granted by any church. That makes a mockery of law. No laws should be written that protect that religious sacrament to the detriment of anyone. Victims of crimes should have access to all evidence against the perpetrator of that crime.

When a parent denies their child medical care because of "Religion", they will face criminal charges. So why are priests protected?

face Contempt of Court charges and spend time in jail. They claim 1st Amendment protection, too, but that does not stop judges from finding them in contempt.

The same should apply to priests who claim confessional sanctity. If they stand on their beliefs, jail them for contempt until they see the error of their ways.

Fair's fair.