1.   And over the last few years, some states have passed legislation requiring the clergy to report knowledge of such abuse as well.

2.   About a dozen states specifically require the clergy to report suspected abuse.

3.   Gov. George Pataki has indicated that he supports a requirement for the clergy to report child abuse, a spokesman said.

4.   He said Romney, a Mormon, supports the bill that would require clergy to report suspected child sexual abuse.

5.   Legislation that would require clergy to report suspected child sexual abuse to authorities is being debated on Beacon Hill.

6.   Massachusetts does not require clergy to report sex crimes as it does teachers, doctors and specific professionals.

7.   Over the last few years, many states have passed legislation requiring clergy to report knowledge of such abuse as well.

8.   Only some dioceses, for instance, appear to have fully embraced laws requiring the clergy to report cases of sex abuse to the police.

9.   Reilly said it is imperative that the Legislature quickly pass the pending bill that would require clergy to report suspected child abuse.

10.   Saviano said the group will lobby state legislatures for laws making it mandatory for clergy to report sexual-abuse allegations to police.