Public lewd conduct now illegal in Cheney

CHENEY – During their Oct. 8 meeting, the Cheney City Council passed an ordinance amending the municipal code to address lewd conduct, now part of Chapter 9A.02 of the Cheney Municipal Code.

City Prosecutor Michael Addams explained that a recent case involving a man following women on campus while engaging in inappropriate behavior highlighted a gap in the city’s laws.

Although the man was arrested, Addams stated, “When it came time to prosecute, I realized there were no laws specifically addressing his actions. The only charge I could bring against him was trespassing on campus.”

Addams noted that this was the first time he encountered such a situation, where trespassing was the only applicable charge under the existing municipal code.

Councilmember Teresa Overhauser expressed concern, stating, “Many women may not report incidents like this and simply move on.”

Addams added that other jurisdictions, including Spokane, had already adopted similar ordinances. Cheney’s new regulation now prohibits lewd behavior in public places or in situations where such acts can be witnessed by the public.

While specific behaviors covered under the ordinance were not detailed for print, the regulation includes exceptions for activities such as scientific, cultural, or educational lectures, and explicitly protects public breastfeeding from being classified as lewd conduct.