Springfield, IL – April 1, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — April marks the 43rd anniversary of the U.S. Fair Housing Act, landmark legislation prohibiting discrimination when it comes to housing. As one of the leading advocates for fair housing in the state, the Illinois Association of REALTORS® devotes the month of April to highlighting fair housing laws.“People have the right to live wherever they can afford to live and their access to a home shouldn’t be denied or restricted because of discrimination. REALTORS® follow a strict code of ethics and are committed to ensuring that fair housing be available to all, “ said REALTOR® Sheryl Grider Whitehurst, ABR, CRB, GRI, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® and the Development and Operations Coordinator for Traders Realty in Peoria.
Established by Congress in 1968, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on the race, color, religion, sex, or national origin of those seeking housing. In 1988, the law was amended to prohibit discrimination based on disability and familial status. The Illinois Human Rights Act further protects citizens from prejudice in regards to sexual orientation, marital status, military status, age and ancestry.
In 2010, Illinois added “order of protection status” as a new protected class under the Illinois Human Rights Act. With the change, housing can’t be denied to a person based on the fact that the person is the one covered or protected by an order of protection granted by a court in Illinois or any other state. Real estate transactions include leases, so orders of protection can’t be used as the basis for not leasing to the protected party. The protected class also applies in employment situations.
Illinois consumers can learn more about the state and federal laws, regulations and resources related to fair housing at www.YourIllinoisHome.com, a consumer site developed by the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. They can also find a copy of the REALTOR® Fair Housing Declaration. Consumers should also check for any local ordinances that might include additional protected classes in their area.
On April 14, IAR will host the “IAR Multicultural Summit: Understanding the Asian Market,” the second in an ongoing, four-year series of multicultural diversity programs aimed at helping residential and commercial REALTORS® learn about other cultures.
“Fair housing laws are in place to provide and protect the rights of the public to equal opportunity in the purchase, sale, rental, lease, financing, insuring and advertising of housing. REALTORS® pledge to uphold the spirit as well as the letter of the law through programs, activities and training designed to promote equal opportunity for all,” Whitehurst said.
Contact:
Mary Schaefer
217-529-2600
