For eighteen states, the difference between the June and October Norms are crucial. These states do not require clergy to report or to be reported for sexual abuse of minors. Thus,in these states,neither Church nor civil law requires reporting of this crime--a clear invitation to a third round of the sexual abuse scandal.



The June Norms required (art. 10) that: "The diocese/eparchy will report to the public authorities any allegation (unless canonically privileged) of sexual abuse of a person who is currently a minor and will cooperate in their investigation. It will cooperate with public authorities about reporting in cases when the person alleged to have been abused is no longer a minor."

The Norms revised in October state: "The diocese/eparchy will comply with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities, and will cooperate in their investigation."