UPDATE! SB 542 is on its way to Governor Kemp's Desk!
Amending Georgia’s Abuse‑of‑Authority Law to Protect Adults
Amending Georgia’s Abuse‑of‑Authority Law to Protect Adults
Clergy Reform Law seeks to amend OCGA § 16‑6‑5.1 to include clergy acting in defined pastoral or spiritual authority roles — closing a gap in Georgia’s existing statute while strengthening protection for adults.
What Is Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse occurs when a clergy member uses spiritual authority, counseling roles, or institutional power to initiate or maintain sexual contact with an adult under pastoral care.
When authority exists, genuine consent can be compromised. Georgia law already recognizes this dynamic in other professions such as teachers and psychotherapists.
THE PROBLEM
Georgia’s abuse-of-authority statute protects adults in certain professional contexts, recognizing that power dynamics can compromise meaningful consent.
Clergy acting in defined pastoral or spiritual authority roles are not explicitly included. This creates a gap in the law where authority exists, but protection does not.
THE CURRENT GAP
Georgia’s primary abuse-of-authority statute (OCGA § 16-6-5.1) applies to certain authority relationships — but clergy acting in defined pastoral or spiritual authority roles are not explicitly included.
Clergy Law Reform seeks to close this gap by applying the same abuse-of-authority standard already recognized in other professions.
THE SOLUTION
Amend OCGA § 16‑6‑5.1 to include clergy acting in pastoral or spiritual authority roles, applying the same abuse‑of‑authority standard already recognized in other professions.
clergy law reform | sb 542
STAY IN THE KNOW ABOUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT SB 542
The unanimous passage of SB 542 in the Georgia Senate was a powerful step toward protecting future generations. As the bill now moves to the House, we'll be looking to our communities to show public support. Sign up to receive real-time updates on how you can support - from sending emails to gathering at the State Capitol.
CLERGY LAW REFORM | SB 542
TAKE ACTION
01
Contact Your Legislator
Ask your Representative and Senator to support amending OCGA § 16-6-5.1 to include clergy in defined authority contexts.
02
STAY ENGAGED
As SB 542 moves to the House, join our email list to stay updated on the best next steps to continue to show support. You can also help by sharing our post on social media to raise awareness to your community.
What is the primary focus of Clergy Law Reform | SB542?
Our mission is to advocate for legislative changes in Georgia that provide justice for survivors of clergy abuse by removing legal barriers and extending statutes of limitations.
Why is Georgia's current law in need of reform?
Existing statutes often prevent survivors from seeking justice decades later. SB 542 aims to rectify these gaps, ensuring accountability is not blocked by outdated legal bars.
Does this ban consensual relationships?
No. It applies only within defined pastoral authority relationships where authority can compromise meaningful consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I support the passage of SB542?
You can visit our 'Take Action' section to find tools for contacting your local representatives, signing our petition, and sharing our message to raise community awareness across Georgia.
Who is part of the advocacy team?
Our team consists of advocates, and survivors dedicated to creating a safer future through systemic reform of Georgia's legislative landscape.
Is this anti-religion?
No. It regulates conduct, not belief. It addresses abuse of authority — not doctrine or faith practice.
Why are other professions included but clergy are not?
Georgia already recognizes authority-based exploitation in multiple fields such as teachers and psychotherapists. This legislation applies that same standard consistently.
Would this apply to spouses?
The intent is to mirror existing statutory carveouts regarding marriage relationships.
Kim Nunes, LMSW
Legislative Director
Kim Nunes was the whistleblower who brought to light the sexual abuse perpetrated by Reggie Joiner at Orange in April 2024. Orange was a nonprofit curriculum company. At its height, under Reggie Joiner’s leadership, Orange equipped nearly 8,000 churches worldwide and influenced hundreds of thousands of children, teenagers, families, and faith leaders.
Since exposing what was happening at Orange, Kim has worked tirelessly to advocate not only for those harmed there, but also for other victims of clergy sexual abuse who have entrusted her with their stories.
Kim holds a Master of Social Work and is licensed in the state of Georgia. She is coupling her education with her lived experience in a relentless pursuit of justice, accountability, and meaningful change. She is committed to ensuring that “blowing the whistle” on sexual abuse carries the full power of the law, empowering both survivors and those who courageously shine light on harm perpetrated by the very faith leaders entrusted to protect them.
Who We Are
Ruth Malhotra
Public Relations
Ruth Malhotra is a communications strategist and advocate who seeks to communicate truth with clarity and grace. She is passionate about strengthening institutional integrity and protecting the vulnerable within faith communities.
For nearly 20 years, she has worked at the intersection of religion and culture. She previously managed public relations for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), an unlikely journey that led her from spokesperson to whistleblower and, ultimately, to advocacy for survivors of abuse and institutional reform.
Hayle Swinson
Grassroots Strategy
Hayle Swinson is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse who now dedicates her voice and work to advocacy, reform, and survivor protection. After years of silence, confusion, and spiritual manipulation, Hayle chose to expose what had been hidden. Her decision to come forward sparked public examination of institutional failures and ignited conversations about the need for stronger protections under Georgia law.
She believes the Gospel calls believers to confront darkness, defend the vulnerable, and pursue justice without fear. For Hayle, advocacy is not political, it is biblical, rooted in the conviction that truth honors God.
Today, she works alongside lawmakers, advocates, and survivors to advance legislative reform, close legal gaps surrounding adult clergy sexual abuse, and build safer faith communities. She is honored to stand in this fight not only for her own healing, but so future generations inherit laws and protections shaped by justice, integrity, and courage.
Sarah Anderson
Advocate
Sarah Bauer Anderson is an author, speaker and instructor who grew up in the greater Washington D.C. area and currently resides in the Bible Belt. Her up close experience with politics and her 20+ years of experience in church and faith based non-profit work led her to write her book, The Space Between Us: How Jesus Teaches Us to Live Together When Politics and Religion Pull Us Apart.
While a majority of Sarah’s professional career has been in the faith realm, including getting her Master’s in Theology and Culture, the lack of accountability and justice in faith institutions surrounding abuse has prompted her to go back to her political roots and advocate for reform in legislation where faith leaders have fallen short. She is passionate about faith leaders and faith institutions leading out in care and integrity for those more vulnerable and believes that when the faith leaders do this, it is the greatest witness the Church can have.
Afton Phillips
Advocate
Afton Phillips has spent the last 15 years working within Christian nonprofit organizations, serving in leadership, communications, and strategic roles across multi-channel ministries. Her work has focused on building trusted platforms, shaping public narratives, and supporting faith communities through education and storytelling.
After witnessing firsthand the absence of meaningful accountability structures within Orange, a non-profit Christian ministry, Afton became part of a growing grassroots online movement dedicated to telling the stories of those harmed or abused by Christian leadership. Through survivor-centered storytelling and public advocacy, she has helped amplify voices that too often go unheard.
Today, Afton is committed to advancing legislative and structural reform to ensure clergy are held to clear standards of accountability under the law. She believes faith communities are strengthened—not threatened—by transparency, justice, and systems that protect the vulnerable.