Washington Law Against Discrimination — scope and protected classes
The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), codified at RCW Chapter 49.60, prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability (or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability). Under RCW 49.60.180, it is an unfair practice for an employer to refuse to hire, discharge, or discriminate in compensation or other terms and conditions of employment on these bases, unless a bona fide occupational qualification applies or the disability prevents proper performance of the work.
Source: RCW 49.60.180
WLAD employer coverage — eight-employee threshold
The Washington Law Against Discrimination applies to employers who employ eight or more persons. Under RCW 49.60.040(11), "employer" includes any person acting in the interest of an employer, directly or indirectly, who employs eight or more persons. The statute excludes religious or sectarian organizations not organized for private profit from the definition of employer.
Source: RCW 49.60.040(11)