HUD to Accept Complaints of Housing Discrimination Based on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on February 11, 2021 that it will use the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Effective immediately, HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity will accept for filing and investigate all complaints of sex discrimination, including discrimination because of gender identity or sexual orientation, that meet other jurisdictional requirements. Under the new policy, FHEO will investigate and enforce potential fair housing violations against LGBTQ individuals, which can either be settled between the parties or referred to the Justice Department for prosecution. HUD-funded jurisdictions and housing programs are also obligated to prohibit sexual orientation and gender identity-based discrimination. Read the HUD memo here.