Washington § 9.91.010 - Denial of civil rights — Terms defined.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 9.91.010 — Denial of civil rights — Terms defined., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9.91.010. Denial of civil rights — Terms defined.

Terms used in this section shall have the following definitions:
(1)(a) "Every person" shall be construed to include any owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, agent or employee whether one or more natural persons, partnerships, associations, organizations, corporations, cooperatives, legal representatives, trustees, receivers, of this state and its political subdivisions, boards and commissions, engaged in or exercising control over the operation of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement.
(b) "Deny" is hereby defined to include any act which directly or indirectly, or by subterfuge, by a person or his or her agent or employee, results or is intended or calculated to result in whole or in part in any discrimination, distinction, restriction, or unequal treatment, or the requiring of any person to pay a larger sum than the uniform rates charged other persons, or the refusing or withholding from any person the admission, patronage, custom, presence, frequenting, dwelling, staying, or lodging in any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement except for conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all persons, regardless of race, creed, or color.
(c) "Full enjoyment of" shall be construed to include the right to purchase any service, commodity, or article of personal property offered or sold on, or by, any establishment to the public, and the admission of any person to accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement, without acts directly or indirectly causing persons of any particular race, creed, or color, to be treated as not welcome, accepted, desired, or solicited.
(d) "Any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement" is hereby defined to include, but not to be limited to, any public place, licensed or unlicensed, kept for gain, hire or reward, or where charges are made for admission, service, occupancy or use of any property or facilities, whether conducted for the entertainment, housing, or lodging of transient guests, or for the benefit, use or accommodation of those seeking health, recreation, or rest, or for the sale of goods and merchandise, or for the rendering of personal services, or for public conveyance or transportation on land, water or in the air, including the stations and terminals thereof and the garaging of vehicles, or where food or beverages of any kind are sold for consumption on the premises, or where public amusement, entertainment, sports, or recreation of any kind is offered with or without charge, or where medical service or care is made available, or where the public gathers, congregates, or assembles for amusement, recreation or public purposes, or public halls, public elevators, and public washrooms of buildings and structures occupied by two or more tenants, or by the owner and one or more tenants, or any public library or any educational institution wholly or partially supported by public funds, or schools of special instruction, or nursery schools, or day care centers or children's camps; nothing herein contained shall be construed to include, or apply to, any institute, bona fide club, or place of accommodation, which is by its nature distinctly private provided that where public use is permitted that use shall be covered by this section; nor shall anything herein contained apply to any educational facility operated or maintained by a bona fide religious or sectarian institution; and the right of a natural parent in loco parentis to direct the education and upbringing of a child under his or her control is hereby affirmed.
(2) Every person who denies to any other person because of race, creed, or color, the full enjoyment of any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 2011 c 336 s 329; 1953 c 87 s 1; 1909 c 249 s 434; RRS s 2686.]

Notes

Application forms, licenses—Mention of race or religion prohibited—Penalty: RCW 43.01.100.
Interference with board against discrimination: RCW 49.60.310.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 9.91.010

What does Revised Code of Washington § 9.91.010 cover?

Section 9.91.010 ("Denial of civil rights — Terms defined.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 9.91.010?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 9.91.010" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 9.91.010 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.