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AZ Supreme Court upholds clergy privilege in child sex abuse case

The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can refuse to answer questions or turn over documents under a state law. The law exempts religious officials from having to report child sex abuse if they learn of the crime during a confessional setting.

The ruling stems from a child sex abuse lawsuit filed by three children. They accuse the church of a conspiracy to cover up their abuse by their father, church member Paul Adams.

Attorneys for the children intend to file a motion asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling.