OLYMPIA, Wash. – A new bill championed by Senator Andy Billig that considers acts of vandalism as potential hate crimes will now move to the house for consideration.
Originally hate crimes were deemed as harm done to a person or an individuals property. Now with Senator Billig’s potential new bill the definition expands a hate crime to include public property as well.
This is a response to hateful vandalism that hit the Spokane area this past fall in the Perry District. Vandals who have yet to be caught, destroyed pride sidewalks and tore down pride flags multiple times over a course of several weeks. The Odyssey Youth Center on South Perry that is meant to be a safe place for LGBTQ+ teens was vandalized three times.
To be found guilty of a hate crime, prosecutors have to prove the person acted maliciously based on race, color, religion, ancestry, gender and sexual orientation.
There doesn’t need to be a specific victim, Billig’s new definition says vandalism on public property that targets a group will be considered a hate crime.
Billig called it a simple change, but an important one.
This isn’t law yet, the bill now moves to the house for consideration.
There is no word on when exactly that will happen.
