A civil right is an enforceable right or privilege, which if interfered with by another gives rise to an action for injury. Examples of civil rights are freedom of speech, press, and assembly; the right to vote; freedom from involuntary servitude; and the right to equality in public places. Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class. Statutes have been enacted to prevent discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, previous condition of servitude, physical limitation, national origin, and in some instances sexual preference. Civil rights attorneys handle cases involving the rights of individuals to be free from unequal treatment (or discrimination) based on legally-protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, and religion. Civil rights cases can arise in a number of settings -- including employment, housing, lending, and education.
Hoquiam is a city in Grays Harbor County, Washington, United States. The town borders Aberdeen at Myrtle Street with Hoquiam on the west side. The two cities share a common economic history in lumber and exporting, but Hoquiam has maintained a separate identity from its neighbor. Aberdeen has a larger population but the two cities have a long history of competition, especially in high school sports (see "Athletics"). The population was 9,097 at the 2000 census. Hoquiam (Ho'-kwee-um) was incorporated on May 21, 1890. Its name is taken from a Native-American language meaning "hungry for wood". Hoquiam is the home of the internationally acclaimed Loggers' Playday, celebrated with a parade and logging competition every September. Although lumber and related industries have been slow for years, plans for a bio-diesel plant are in the works (Imperium Renewables Bio-Diesel opened in 2007). Bowerman Airfield (KHQM) is the local airport, coastal Washington's only jet-capable airport, with a 5,000-foot (1,524 m) runway and parallel taxiway located a stone's throw from the inlet that gives Grays Harbor its name. Hoquiam is also home to dozens of species of migrating birds which live along the water during the milder months.