I just discovered that under our state laws (Washington), there is a particular
form of slander called "slander of woman" which makes it a misdemeanor to injure
or impair the repuation of any female over age 12 with regard to "virtue or
chastity" OR expose her to hatred, contempt or ridicule. It covers "any false
or defamatory words or language" and makes specific note of spoken words.
I haven't asked any legal questions about this but at first glance it sure looks
like it speaks to the problems some girls have with sexual rumors. For anyone
in WA State the RCW is 9.58.110 Under libel and slander codes. It was included
in the 1998 update so I'm assuming it's still on the books.
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