Bill would shield rape victims’ court testimony

OLYMPIA — Washington state lawmakers are working on a bill to keep accused rapists from directly cross-examining their victims in court.

Under current law, defendants can question their alleged victims if they waive the right to an attorney and represent themselves during trial. But Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Seattle, says judges should be able to require the use of a lawyer for questioning alleged victims.

Goodman says the change would protect rape victims from being retraumatized by their attackers. But opponents have argued that could violate the 6th Amendment by curtailing the defendant’s right to face an accuser.

In November, a 21-year-old rape victim climbed to the top of the King County Courthouse and threatened to jump rather than face her attacker in cross-examination.