diff --git a/synapse/api/events/__init__.py b/synapse/api/events/__init__.py
index aa04dbece7..f9653e0b2a 100644
--- a/synapse/api/events/__init__.py
+++ b/synapse/api/events/__init__.py
@@ -41,11 +41,11 @@ class SynapseEvent(JsonEncodedObject):
         "room_id",
         "user_id",  # sender/initiator
         "content",  # HTTP body, JSON
+        "state_key",
     ]
 
     internal_keys = [
         "is_state",
-        "state_key",
         "prev_events",
         "prev_state",
         "depth",