diff --git a/synapse/storage/__init__.py b/synapse/storage/__init__.py
index 66658f6721..1aaef3f493 100644
--- a/synapse/storage/__init__.py
+++ b/synapse/storage/__init__.py
@@ -217,7 +217,8 @@ class DataStore(RoomMemberStore, RoomStore,
             )
             raise _RollbackButIsFineException("_persist_event")
 
-        if is_new_state and hasattr(event, "state_key"):
+        is_state = hasattr(event, "state_key") and event.state_key is not None
+        if is_new_state and is_state:
             vals = {
                 "event_id": event.event_id,
                 "room_id": event.room_id,