Senate unanimously passes bill expanding penalties for clergy who exploit spiritual authority
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
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 applies a reasonable‑person standard to pastoral counseling or spiritual‑authority relationships. “This law leans on the reasonable‑person standard,” the sponsor said, describing the bill as ensuring those in positions of trust cannot manipulate vulnerable adults.
Colleagues on both sides praised the measure. Senator (S12), who identified himself as an ordained Episcopal priest, said the bill provides ‘‘additional tools’’ to hold clergy accountable while noting caution about expanding felonies. Other senators said the bill was the product of careful drafting and committee work; amendments were offered and withdrawn by unanimous consent.
The Senate adopted the committee substitute and passed SB542 by substitute with an on‑floor tally reported as 55 yeas and 0 nays.
Provenance: The bill was introduced and debated on the Senate floor and adopted on the day’s calendar (introduction at SEG 1630 and final passage recorded at SEG 1986–1989).