Maine Senators Angus King, an Independent, and Susan Collins, Republican, introduced a bill this week with Democrat Virginia Senator Tim Kaine that would include LGBT people in the Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2019. The legislation aims to “protect residents from housing discrimination that is based on gender identity or sexual orientation,” according to an AP report that ran in The Washington Post and other publications.
According to the AP:
The senators say the proposal would add gender identity and sexual orientation to the classes that are protected from discrimination by the Fair Housing Act.
The senators say 21 states and more than 200 localities around the country extend housing discrimination protections in this way.
The senators cite studies that say same-sex applicants are more likely to be denied a mortgage than heterosexual couples. The legislation is co-sponsored by 10 senators, all of whom are Democrats.
“Safe and affordable housing is the basic building block for all Americans seeking to achieve economic, educational, and personal success,” said Senator King in a press release issued by his office.
“No one should be denied access to this vital resource because of who they are,” he said, “but unfortunately, under current law there are no protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This is wrong, plain and simple. We need this legislation to make sure LGBTQ Americans have the same access to housing as anyone else.”
“All Americans deserve a fair and equal opportunity in the sale, rental, or financing of housing,” Senator Collins was also quoted in the release from Senator King’s office. “Throughout my Senate service, I have worked to end discrimination against LGBTQ Americans, and it is time we ensure that all people have full access to housing regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I urge our colleagues to join us in supporting this important legislation.”
