"Certainly, ‘illegitimate’ is a better word than ‘bastard,’ a word common in earlier statutes and decisions. RCW 4.24.010, at issue in this case, uses the term ‘illegitimate child.’ An innocent child is still stigmatized by that reference.

"We have made great strides in amending statutes to remove age-old terms which are offensive in our present-day society. The legislative process can use words which convey the same meaning, but are less demeaning to children."