Schneider, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Extending Housing Protections for LGBTQ Individuals

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced legislation to extend clear and consistent non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in housing.

The Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2021 would include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as protected characteristics under the Fair Housing Act which currently mandates non-discrimination for housing on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability.

"No American should face discrimination finding a home because of who they are or who they love," said Schneider. "Yet the majority of states still have no laws prohibiting housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. I am proud to lead this long overdue bipartisan bill to extend federal protections to ensure all LGBTQ individuals and same-sex couples can access housing without prejudice. I am also pleased that these important housing protections were incorporated into the Equality Act, and I look forward to voting on this anti-discrimination package soon."

"LGBTQ Americans are part of the fabric of our society and should be free to exercise the rights guaranteed to every American by the Constitution to participate fully in our society and pursue every opportunity," said Fitzpatrick. "This legislation will protect Americans from housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Every American deserves the freedom to access housing options free from discrimination."

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