March 8, 2011

HUD Proposing Rule to Eliminate Bias Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) proposed a rule that would eliminate bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity in its housing programs.

HUD wants public comments on:
  • barring the use of “actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity” as a basis for determining whether a borrower will receive a federal Housing Administration-mortgage;
  • including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, anyone involved in a LGBT relationship, or anyone perceived to be such an individual or in such relationship in the definition of families who are eligible to participate in HUD’s programs; and
  • barring HUD-assisted housing owners or operators from asking applicants about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The rule is open to public comment until March 25.


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