Discrimination At Work
RCW 49.60.180 — the protected classes, six months to file with the commission, and a right to sue
In Washington, an employer may not refuse to hire, discharge, or discriminate in pay or other terms of employment because of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, a sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification.
Six months to file with the commission, and one year for pregnancy. A complaint to the Human Rights Commission is filed within six months after the alleged act of discrimination, except that a complaint of pregnancy discrimination or one about a real estate transaction has one year.
Freedom from discrimination is declared a civil right, and a person injured by a violation has a civil action in court to stop it and recover actual damages, with the cost of suit and reasonable attorneys' fees.
The complaint section read here is in force until July 1, 2027.
Sources for this section (3)
- RCW 49.60.180 — Unfair practices of employers
- RCW 49.60.230 — Complaint may be filed with commission
- RCW 49.60.030 — Freedom from discrimination; civil rights
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.