Bill > HR3696

This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to expand protections against housing discrimination by explicitly including sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics alongside existing categories like race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, and national origin. The bill clarifies that these protections apply not only to an individual's own characteristics but also to associations with others and perceptions about an individual's characteristics, even if those perceptions are inaccurate. Specifically, the bill defines "gender identity" as an individual's gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or characteristics, regardless of their sex assigned at birth, and "sexual orientation" as homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality. The amendments apply to various sections of the Fair Housing Act related to housing sales, rentals, advertising, and other housing-related transactions, ensuring that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited. Additionally, the bill strengthens protections against intimidation in fair housing cases by explicitly including sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics. By making these changes, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive legal protection against housing discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3696/all-info