State Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) has introduced a bill that would amend Georgia’s criminal code to allow clergy members to be charged with certain sexual offenses when they exploit a position of spiritual
authority. It’s the latest fallout from the sex scandal that rocked Truett-McConnell University (TMU) last year.
The bill amends Georgia’s statute governing “improper sexual contact by employee or agent” — to expressly include clergy members within its scope.
Under the bill, a clergy member who engages in sexually explicit conduct or sexual contact with someone who is the subject of a pastoral counseling or spiritual authority relationship could face criminal charges.
The legislation has garnered support from 24 co-sponsors in the State Senate, including Drew Echols of Lula and Steve Gooch of Dahlonega.
It maintains that consent is not a defense in these cases — consistent with
existing Georgia law covering other authority-based relationships such as educators, law
enforcement officers, and therapists.
“This bill is being spearheaded by three women — Ruth Malhotra, Kim Nunes, and Hayle Swinson
— who were directly affected by Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse (ACSA) that occurred in parachurch
organizations, not only in church environments but also in Christian higher education and nonprofit
ministries based right here in Georgia,” said Sarah Bauer Anderson, an author and advocate with 20
years of experience working in Christian settings.
Swinson was victimized while working at TMU. “Our hope is to close the legal gaps that allowed harm to occur — not only in my case, but in many others across Georgia,” she said Monday. “With continued public awareness and responsible reporting, we believe meaningful reform is possible.
“In my case, leaders used spiritual authority and religious language to groom, manipulate,
intimidate, and control me, leading to sexual exploitation and abuse.”