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Senate unanimously passes bill expanding penalties for clergy who exploit spiritual authority
Georgia Senate · March 6, 2026
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Summary
SB542, expanding the criminal code to permit prosecution of clergy who use spiritual authority to commit sexual misconduct against adults, passed the Senate unanimously (55–0) after supporters described gaps in existing law and urged protections for victims.
The Georgia Senate adopted SB542, a law expanding certain criminal offenses to cover clergy members who exploit pastoral authority to engage in improper sexual contact with adults.
Senator Robertson (S22), presenting the bill, said it addresses abusive conduct by people in positions of spiritual trust and…
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