CONCORD, N.H.(AP) – New Hampshire lawmakers will debate Wednesday whether religious leaders should be required to report instances or suspicions of child abuse revealed in confidence, such as in a confessional.

The House Children and Family Law Committee is recommending more study on whether a 1979 law exempting clergy from the child-abuse reporting law should be modified.

“The complexities resulting from the interpretation and application of (the law) have caused confusion with consequences for children,” Rep. Mary Stuart Gile wrote in her report to the House.

Gile, a Concord Democrat, sponsored the bill in hopes of finding a way to protect children without infringing on constitutionally protected religious freedoms.

The state’s Roman Catholic diocese opposes the bill, as does a minority of the committee.

Under state law, officials, including priests, must report instances or suspicions of child abuse. However, another provision in the law exempts the clergy from having to report the information if revealed in confidence, such as a confessional.

The Diocese of Manchester says all priests, deacons and other church personnel are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, except if the information is learned during confession.

A minority of the committee wants to kill the bill, not study it.

Rep. Karen McRae, R-Goffstown, said the bill raises constitutional issues and could have religious ramifications. She said it has been studied this year as well as two years ago and doesn’t need further study.

“The minority feels that the study will not result in an effective way to prevent child abuse or neglect,” McRae wrote the House.

The House is scheduled to vote on the bill Wednesday afternoon.