Strumpet, hussy not such bad names

[Jerry E Kane]

Strumpet, hussy not such bad names

SEATTLE (UPI) -- A Washington state legislator wants a 1905 law forbidding
calling a woman a strumpet or hussy removed from state law, the New York Times
said Wednesday.

Under the state's "Slander of a Woman" law from 1909, it is a misdemeanor to
slander any female older than 12 -- other than prostitutes -- by uttering "any
false or defamatory words or language which shall injure or impair the
reputation of any such female for virtue or chastity or which shall expose her to
hatred, contempt or ridicule."

The statute was upheld by the State Supreme Court in 1914, which researchers
say was the last time the law was before the courts.

But Democratic state Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles believes it's time to banish the
old statute, and has filed a bill to repeal it.

Kohl-Welles admits there are more pressing priorities facing a state with a
$1.8 billion deficit, but said the old law is nonetheless a vestige of sexism
and an unconstitutional affront to free speech.

>From another list.


Jerry E. Kane
Los Angeles, CA