OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington is one of several states where being married to your alleged victim is an absolute defense against some forms of sexual assault and rape. A bill that politicians discussed Tuesday in the House would change that.
House Bill 1108 would remove the spousal exemption from both rape in the third degree, in which no physical form is used, and from taking indecent liberties.
Washington removed the marital exemption for first and second degree rape in 1983 after prosecutors and domestic violence groups testified in favor of a change.
One bill sponsor says he is "pretty confident" that it would pass out of the Legislature and make it to Gov. Jay Inslee's desk.
