Washington legal term
Sexual orientation in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Sexual orientation” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Washington criminal code.
What does “Sexual orientation” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Sexual orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality. (RCW 9A.36.080)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.