The Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane is challenging the constitutionality of a 1988 state law that lengthened the statute of limitations on sex abuse crimes.
Attorneys for the diocese filed a motion in Spokane County Superior Court on Wednesday, asking a judge to determine whether the Legislature was wrong to change the statute of limitations on certain crimes.
The motion affects 11 lawsuits by about 40 plaintiffs, alleging decades-old clergy sexual abuse, but attorneys argue it is a constitutional issue that affects the right of every citizen.
The Archdiocese of Seattle filed a similar motion earlier this year.
Before 1988, victims of childhood sex abuse had to file a claim before they turned 21. That year, legislators concluded that some victims repressed memories of abuse, and changed the statute of limitations to allow a suit to be filed at any age, up to three years after the time the abuse was remembered.
Lawyers for the Spokane diocese contend that decision singled out a class of people and makes it difficult to defend against the allegations because many witnesses are either dead or unable to testify so many years after the crime occurred.
All but two claims filed against the Spokane Diocese happened 30 years ago or more, the lawyers said.
The 40 plaintiffs are seeking millions of dollars, diocese attorneys said.