Trending...
- Spokane: Construction Will Impact South Stevens Street - 107
- Kasinohai Audit: Most Slots Could Be Affected by Finland's Draft Gambling Rules
- Why More Phoenix Families Are Turning to Private Autopsy Services for Answers
~ Spokane City Council Member Paul Dillon testified in support of Senate Bill 5917 on Thursday, February 15. The bill aims to expand the hate crimes statute to include public property and was met with enthusiasm from Dillon and other city officials.
Dillon, who was joined by Legislative Assistant Ginny Ramos, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to speak in favor of the bill. He highlighted the increase in hate crimes across the nation and how it has affected Eastern Washington. However, he remained optimistic that love will ultimately prevail.
The council member emphasized the importance of this legislation for the city, stating that it is a top priority. He also referenced Spokane's motto, "In Spokane, we all belong," and how this bill aligns with it.
The need for this bill was further emphasized by incidents in 2023 when Spokane approved one of its first neighborhood rainbow crosswalks in The Perry District. The crosswalk, which was meant to show support for LGBTQ+ communities after years of advocacy, has been repeatedly vandalized. This includes vandalism at the Odyssey Youth Center, which serves LGBTQ+ youth. Additionally, Dillon's Pride flag at his home and those of his neighbors have been stolen and destroyed multiple times. Most recently, a second crosswalk at Spokane Falls Boulevard and Wall was defaced with paint.
More on Washingtoner
Dillon pointed out that these incidents are not isolated and that certain neighborhoods have been targeted due to their emphasis on safety and inclusion. He also expressed shock at learning that bias-driven defacement of public property is not considered a hate crime due to a gap in Washington State law.
The council member credited Senator Billig's swift response to the call for action and collaboration with the city in finding a solution. With this new legislation, Spokane hopes to send a strong message against hate crimes and promote inclusivity within its communities.
Dillon, who was joined by Legislative Assistant Ginny Ramos, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to speak in favor of the bill. He highlighted the increase in hate crimes across the nation and how it has affected Eastern Washington. However, he remained optimistic that love will ultimately prevail.
The council member emphasized the importance of this legislation for the city, stating that it is a top priority. He also referenced Spokane's motto, "In Spokane, we all belong," and how this bill aligns with it.
The need for this bill was further emphasized by incidents in 2023 when Spokane approved one of its first neighborhood rainbow crosswalks in The Perry District. The crosswalk, which was meant to show support for LGBTQ+ communities after years of advocacy, has been repeatedly vandalized. This includes vandalism at the Odyssey Youth Center, which serves LGBTQ+ youth. Additionally, Dillon's Pride flag at his home and those of his neighbors have been stolen and destroyed multiple times. Most recently, a second crosswalk at Spokane Falls Boulevard and Wall was defaced with paint.
More on Washingtoner
- AutomationIQ Launches to Bring Enterprise-Grade AI Automation to Local and Mid-Market Businesses
- City of Tacoma Continues Working on 'Roadmap to Recovery'
- City of Tacoma Awarded $7.6 Million BUILD Grant for Environmental Analysis and Final Design Phase of Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge Replacement Project
- Spokane City Council Legislative Meetings Now Wednesday Evenings
- The Story Tree Literacy Project Seeks Publishers and Librarians to Help Children Become Polyglots
Dillon pointed out that these incidents are not isolated and that certain neighborhoods have been targeted due to their emphasis on safety and inclusion. He also expressed shock at learning that bias-driven defacement of public property is not considered a hate crime due to a gap in Washington State law.
The council member credited Senator Billig's swift response to the call for action and collaboration with the city in finding a solution. With this new legislation, Spokane hopes to send a strong message against hate crimes and promote inclusivity within its communities.
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- Sara Abbas Receives "Eniochos" Charioteer Award at 2026 Who is Who International Awards
- Detained at 95: South Korea's Prosecution of a Religious Leader Draws International Alarm
- CCHR: DOJ Takedown Exposes Over $220 Million Defrauded in Behavioral Mental Health Fraud Schemes
- Lady Liberty Is Coming Home: Historic WWII A-26 Invader Begins Her Final Journey to the Tulsa Air & Space Museum
- Homicide Investigation – 1000 block of South Tacoma Way
- The Lashe Announces Limited-Time Sale on Professional Premade Fan Lash Extension Trays
- PropAccount.com Adds Prediction Markets to Its Multi-Asset Prop Firm Platform
- Rising star Hip-Hop and R&B Force Della Drops Highly Anticipated New Single, "Throw It"
- Artists for Resistance present "The Art of Resistance"
- UK Financial Ltd. Opens Test-Phase Maya 3 Liquidity Pool on Uniswap with DEX Screener Visibility for Market-Smoothing Ahead of CATEX Exchange Launch
- A Declaration of Permanence — AI Memory Sealed to Bitcoin on Independence Day
- Wagga Trucks set to expand to the Canberra Region as authorised dealer for Volvo, UD & Mack along with Freighter Group Trailers
- June Employment Report Reveals Hidden Weakness Beneath Lower Unemployment
- TBM Council Launches 2026 State of Technology Business Management (TBM) Survey
- Tacoma: Planning Commission Seeks Community Feedback on Draft Changes to Off-Street Parking Code
- Spokane: Construction Will Impact South Stevens Street
- Spokane: SPD Participate in High Visibility Enforcement During Hoopfest Weekend
- Kasinohai Audit: Most Slots Could Be Affected by Finland's Draft Gambling Rules
- Why More Phoenix Families Are Turning to Private Autopsy Services for Answers
- City of Tacoma Observes Independence Day