Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60 § 49.60.020
Construction of chapter -- Election of other remedies.
Operative Text
The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of the purposes thereof. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to repeal any of the provisions of any other law of this state relating to discrimination because of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, other than a law which purports to require or permit doing any act which is an unfair practice under this chapter. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice. Nor shall anything herein contained be construed to deny the right to any person to institute any action or pursue any civil or criminal remedy based upon an alleged violation of his or her civil rights. This chapter shall not be construed to endorse any specific belief, practice, behavior, or orientation. Inclusion of sexual orientation in this chapter shall not be construed to modify or supersede state law relating to marriage.
Washington's Law Against Discrimination, codified at Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.020, is designed to be interpreted broadly in favor of eliminating discrimination in housing and other areas. The chapter does not replace or cancel other state anti-discrimination laws, and it preserves the right of any person to bring separate civil or criminal actions for civil-rights violations. One notable carve-out exists: distinctions based on citizenship or immigration status that are specifically authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract are not treated as unfair practices under this chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Washington law should be aware that Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.020 establishes a broad, liberal construction of the state's anti-discrimination framework, meaning courts and agencies tend to interpret protections expansively rather than narrowly. Compliant operators generally ensure their policies do not rely on citizenship or immigration status distinctions unless those distinctions are explicitly authorized by federal or state law or a government contract. Because this chapter coexists with other state and federal anti-discrimination laws rather than replacing them, operators typically review their practices against multiple legal frameworks simultaneously.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.020 affirms that Washington's anti-discrimination protections in housing are to be read broadly, which generally benefits individuals asserting discrimination claims. The provision also makes clear that this chapter does not take away any right a person may have to pursue separate civil or criminal remedies for civil-rights violations, meaning multiple legal avenues may be available. Tenants who believe they have experienced housing discrimination can explore options such as filing a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission, raising a violation as a defense in a housing proceeding, or consulting a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available paths.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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