Trending...
- Tacoma: Applicants Sought for the Human Services Commission
- NUSACC Supports Iraq Higher Education Roadshow to the United States
- Connecta Satellite Solutions Ready to Support Emergency Communications Following the Venezuela Earthquake
~ 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
- 100+ Episodes In, Liftoff with Keith Newman Tells Founders to Stop Publishing More
- Vierra Communities Adds Operations of Two Skilled Nursing Facilities in the DC Metro Area
- Slotozilla Introduces a Centralized Resource for World Cup Bonus Offers
- Webinar Announcement: Built for Trust: Latitude's 0 to 1 Compliance Playbook for Modern Cross-Border Payments
- OneVizion Names AI Leader Matthew Kirk as Chief Operating Officer to Drive Governed AI Across Telecom and Electric Utilities
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
- New "Lakeside Picnic Ride" Package in Japan's Lake Chuzenji region of Nikko: July 1- November 30, 2026
- 80 Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Science Organizations Funded by Tacoma Creates for 2026-2027
- Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell Presents Tacoma Minimum Wage Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report to Economic Development Committee
- Spokane: America's 250th Celebrated in Riverfront Park with Incredible Lineup
- Spokane: City Details Fourth of July Activities, Closures
- Former MP Shri GV Harsha Kumar Meets AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge
- Tacoma: System Development Charges for Wastewater and Stormwater Utilities to Take Effect on July 1
- Two Attorneys at The Stanley Law Group Named to 2026 South Carolina Super Lawyers List
- IGH Naturals Announces Peer-Reviewed HuMOLYTE® Study Published in Frontiers in Nutrition
- Allstream Energy Partners Expands AI-Optimized Website Development Division to Meet Growing Demand in GEO / AEO Services
- America's Workforce Solution Named an OpenAI SMB Channel Partner, Bringing Enterprise-Grade AI to Main Street
- Data Tiles Introduces the Decision-Driven Enterprise to North America
- Disruptor Creations Pioneers New MicroAdventure Series with TravelSpike
- Spokane City Fire Marshal Issues Outdoor Recreational Fire Restriction
- eCopier Solutions Surpasses 3,000 Five-Star Google Reviews and Maintains Perfect Five-Star Rating
- Creative Investment Research Welcomes Supreme Court Decision Protecting Federal Reserve Independence While Calling for Continued Accountability
- Ascent Solar Technologies (N A S D A Q: ASTI): Positioned at the Intersection of the New Space Economy, Defense Innovation and Next-Generation Energy
- Triple-Digit Growth, Stock Market Upgrade plus a Rapidly Expanding Specialty Healthcare Platform: Cardiff Lexington Corporation (Stock Symbol: CDIX)
- Morrisville & Cary Education Centers Honored with National Award
- AI-Powered Neuropsychiatry, FDA Regulatory Momentum, Commercial Ketamine Launch Position NRx Pharmaceuticals for Potential Breakout Growth in 2026