Georgia Baptists Back Bill Criminalizing 'Improper Sexual Conduct' by Clergy

Proposed legislation would allow prosecutors to bring charges when ministers use counseling relationships to obtain sexual contact.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Georgia Senate unanimously advanced a bill that would add clergy to the state's 'improper sexual contact' statute, allowing prosecutors to bring charges when ministers use their spiritual authority and counseling relationships to obtain sexual contact. The bill, supported by the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, is intended to establish accountability and improve abuse prevention in churches and faith-based institutions.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to address a pattern of adult clergy sexual abuse that often begins with trust and spiritual manipulation rather than physical force. The lack of a clear legal pathway has discouraged reporting and allowed offenders to continue, highlighting the need for laws to protect vulnerable individuals seeking faith, guidance, or healing from those in positions of spiritual authority.

The details

Senate Bill 542, authored by Sen. Randy Robertson, would place clergy in the same category as other authority figures already covered in Georgia law. The bill was unanimously advanced by a key Senate committee after considering amendments to clarify the language without changing its meaning, intent, or purpose. The measure now heads to the Senate Rules Committee for a final vote before consideration by the full Senate.

  • The Senate committee hearing and vote took place on Wednesday evening, February 25, 2026.
  • The bill is now headed to the Senate Rules Committee for a final vote before being considered by the full Senate.

The players

Sen. Randy Robertson

The author of Senate Bill 542, which would add clergy to Georgia's 'improper sexual contact' statute.

Mike Griffin

The public affairs representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, who stated that Georgia Baptists support the bill and view it as part of a long-standing effort to promote accountability and improve abuse prevention in churches and faith-based institutions.

Hayle Swinson

A survivor of adult clergy sexual abuse who urged senators to move quickly on the bill, describing how authority can be used to groom and coerce victims.

Brian Strickland

The chairman of the Senate committee that unanimously advanced the bill, who thanked Swinson for her courage in sharing her story.

Bill Cowsert

A senator who raised concerns during the hearing that the bill's definition of clergy could be broader than some expect, potentially encompassing volunteer leaders such as Sunday school teachers.

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What they’re saying

“This bill, I believe, can be used as an educational tool. I think it reminds people of the responsibility we have to protect others, and accountability and criminal charges are needed.”

— Mike Griffin, public affairs representative, Georgia Baptist Mission Board (The Christian Index)

“Adult clergy sexual abuse is real. It does not begin with force. It begins with trust, a pastor, a mentor, a person with spiritual authority who's saying you can trust me, this is God's will, all while violating you at the same time.”

— Hayle Swinson (The Christian Index)

“This is why many survivors never reported. This is why many perpetrators continue to do what they do. This is why the law must change. Silence protects systems, but the law is supposed to protect people.”

— Hayle Swinson (The Christian Index)

“I thank you for your courage, because we would not have bills like this without people like you being willing to share your story. And I can't imagine how hard it is to have to share your story, but unfortunately, sometimes it's necessary to pass meaningful legislation.”

— Brian Strickland, Chairman, Senate committee (The Christian Index)

What’s next

The bill is now headed to the Senate Rules Committee for a final vote before being considered by the full Senate.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to address the pattern of adult clergy sexual abuse by establishing clear accountability and criminal charges when spiritual authority is used for exploitation, which has often discouraged reporting and allowed offenders to continue their actions. The bill is seen as an important step in improving abuse prevention and protection for vulnerable individuals seeking guidance or healing from those in positions of spiritual leadership.