No, incestuous relationships, including dating between siblings, are criminalized under Washington Revised Code § 9A.64.020, with penalties ranging from gross misdemeanors to felonies depending on age and consent factors. The state’s 2023 legislative amendments expanded enforcement under the Washington State Patrol’s Family Crimes Unit, aligning with federal Title 18 U.S.C. § 2282A for interstate violations.
Key Regulations for Dating Siblings in Washington
- Criminal Prohibition: RCW § 9A.64.020 explicitly bans sexual relations between siblings, with enhanced penalties if one party is under 18 (felony Class C).
- Age of Consent Enforcement: The Washington State Department of Health mandates mandatory reporting of suspected incestuous relationships involving minors to Child Protective Services (CPS).
- Local Ordinance Overlaps: King County’s 2026 Public Safety Directive requires law enforcement to cross-reference sibling dating cases with the Washington State Sex Offender Registry for potential registration requirements.
Washington’s legal framework reflects a strict prohibition rooted in public policy, with no exceptions for private, consensual relationships. Courts have consistently upheld convictions under these statutes, including the 2024 State v. Jensen ruling, which affirmed that sibling dating constitutes a “moral turpitude” offense under Washington’s penal code. Non-compliance risks felony charges, civil penalties, and mandatory sex offender registration if minors are involved.