OLYMPIA, Wash.-The Washington State Legislature passed a bill that would update the state’s hate crime laws by a 35-14 vote on Friday, Feb. 2.
Senate Bill 5917 was introduced by Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane) and would update the current hate crime law to include defacement of public property.
“Our state has passed important laws to protect people targeted for what they look like, who they love, or how they pray,” said Billig. “This legislation strengthens our hate crime laws to include our shared public spaces and symbols of inclusion while sending a strong message of unity against these heinous attacks.”
Under the legislation that passed, destruction of public property motivated by bias would be covered under the state’s hate crimes statute, according to a press release from Sen. Billig’s Office.
To be found guilty under the new legislation, a person must act maliciously and intentionally based on a person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability, according to today’s press release.
The bill will now be considered in the House of Representatives.
