The city of Tumwater seeks to foster a community where all residents feel safe, welcome, and valued. The city works to respond to crimes and threats motivated by bigotry and bias. We do not tolerate hate crimes.

What is a hate crime? 

A hate crime is a crime motivated by bias or based on the victim’s perceived membership in a protected class.*  

Hate crimes are sometimes hate speech, but hate speech is not always a hate crime. Threatening words are not a hate crime if the victim perceives the speaker does not have the ability to carry out the threat. While words alone may not constitute a hate crime offense, the circumstances surrounding the words may indicate the words are a threat, or an effort to induce fear and harm. Threats or instances of physical violence, harassment, or destruction of property with a biased motivation also may constitute a hate crime. Hate crimes are intended to induce fear and cause psychological or physical harm -- or both. 

Committing a hate crime is a felony that should be reported to the police -- and victims also have the right to pursue civil action. When in doubt, please report.

How to report hate crimes: 

• If the incident is happening now, just happened, or you feel you are in danger, please call 911 immediately.
• If the incident has already occurred, the immediate danger is over and there are no injuries, please call 360-704-2740.

Additional Resources

• Washington Department of Commerce Office of Crime Victim Advocacy
• Hate Crimes— Office for Victims of Crime
• Find additional victim advocacy services by going to wa211.org or dial 2–1–1 on your phone.

* The City of Tumwater follows the Washington State legislature’s standard for protected classes as individuals who may be subject to bigotry and bias based on their race, skin color, national origin or ancestry, partner or family members race, skin color, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, religious beliefs, or mental, physical, or sensory disabilities.

While this webpage is not meant as a source for legal advice, Washington statutes include provisions defining and prohibiting hate crimes that the City wants to share for community wellbeing and awareness. For reference, please visit: (RCW 9A.36.078 (Findings), RCW 9A.36.080 (Definition and Criminal Penalty), and RCW 9A.36.083 (Civil Action)).