Senator Tim Kaine introduces legislation to protect LGBT people in housing
US Senator Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton’s running mate in last year’s Presidential election, has introduced legislation to protect all LGBT Americans in housing.
The legislation was introduced this week by Senator Kaine in the US Senate.
Earlier this year, back in March, a companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Scott Taylor and Brad Schneider.
The Fair and Equal Housing Act would provide non-discrimination protections for LGBT people, adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics to the Fair Housing Act.
“In far too many places across the country, LGBTQ people are at risk of being denied housing or kicked out of their homes just because of who they are,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy.
“What side of a state line you live on should not determine your ability to find a place to live without fear of discrimination. We thank Senator Tim Kaine for his continued leadership working to end unjust discrimination against LGBTQ people.”
There are only 20 states and the District of Columbia which currently ban housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in state law.
Two others ban sexual orientation discrimination only.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, nearly a quarter of trans people have reported experiencing discrimination in housing.
Discrimination is currently banned based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin.
