Representative Gina McCabe Introduces Tougher Voyeurism Bill

The Republican 14th District representative from Goldendale is sponsoring a bill that would expand the definition of voyeurism as a crime.

Representative McCabe explained her reasons for the new bill, House Bill 2042.

Currently, to charge someone with a crime of voyeurism it has to be proven photos or films are being used for sexual gratification. Unfortunately, under current law it is very difficult to catch voyeurs and prove they were engaged in voyeurism for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of any person.

 

Many times those committing voyeurism are not using the explicit images for gratification but motivation based solely for purposes of making money, exacting revenge, or causing humiliation. Regardless, the victims are violated and humiliated.

 

As a varsity high school coach, my athletes actually brought this issue to my attention. They are opposed to wearing dresses on game days due to “up-skirting,” which is when someone uses a cellphone camera or video feature to record under the skirts of unknowing victims, then viewing or posting on social media. This has been going on in middle and high schools, as well as colleges throughout our state and needs to stop.

 

Finally, voyeurism is often a precursor to more serious sex offenses and this will allow us to catch this behavior earlier, before it escalates.

 

This measure will be heard in the House Public Safety Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m.