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LGBT Equality Caucus

MEDIA CENTER

Congressional Equality Caucus Praises HUD Announcement on Fair Housing Act

February 11, 2021

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DATE: February 11, 2021

CONTACT: laura.brantley@mail.house.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional Equality Caucus Praises

HUD Announcement on Fair Housing Act

Washington, D.C. – The Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus praised the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's announcement that it will immediately begin administering and enforcing the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. At a time when the American people are struggling through economic hardship, it is more important than ever that no one be denied housing as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"No person should ever lose their home because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is un-American," said Equality Caucus Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01). "I am pleased that HUD is taking action today to crack down on discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. This is a big step in the right direction, and I thank President Biden for his leadership on this important issue. LGBTQ+ people should be able to live their lives free from the fear of discrimination, regardless of which party controls the White House. That's why, in the weeks ahead, it is critical that Congress pass the Equality Act to establish permanent federal protections against discrimination in housing, education, employment, and other key areas of day-to-day life. I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues to get the job done."

"Stable, safe housing for LGBTQ people isn't a ‘nice to have', it's a ‘need to have'. This is the right move by the Biden Administration, and it shows the president's strong commitment to equality for LGBTQ people. Today's decision is just the beginning," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18). "Working in lock-step with the White House, I will continue our fight to codify nondiscrimination protections for all LGBTQ Americans through the advancement of the Equality Act."

"No one should be denied a home because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Only 22 states and the District of Columbia have explicit laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, so it is long overdue that we take federal action to enforce the Fair Housing Act for LGBTQ+ communities. At a time when so many across the nation are on the brink of homelessness and housing insecurity, we thank the Biden-Harris administration for moving swiftly to remove further obstacles to those seeking housing during this crisis. Next, Congress must pass the Fair and Equal Housing Act to make President Biden's executive order the law of the land once and for all," Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02).

"LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience housing insecurity or homelessness, and rampant discrimination and economic inequality makes it harder for members of our community to secure a place to live. By administering and enforcing the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, the Biden Administration is taking a major step toward combating discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans. No one should ever be denied housing because of their identity and those who face discrimination deserve the same legal protections as everyone else," said Equality CaucusCo-Chair Mark Takano (CA-41). "I applaud this monumental move, now let's pass the Equality Act to codify these legal protections and guarantee true equality under the law for every American."

"I am encouraged by today's announcement, which reaffirms that discrimination in the housing market on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is unreasonable, immoral and illegal. This action is another step in a long march toward unraveling a pattern of discrimination against LGBTQ Americans enacted by the Trump Administration. While we still have a long way to go, I am proud to have President Biden and his Administration standing alongside us in our ongoing fight for equality," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Angie Craig (MN-02).

"I am thrilled that HUD took an important step today to fully enforce the Fair Housing Act and prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in federally funded housing programs," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sharice L. Davids (KS-03). "No one should be discriminated against because of who they love or how they identity – but sadly this happens all too frequently. That is why we must finally get the Equality Act signed into law, so we can outlaw this kind of discrimination in every part of our society, not just in our federally funded programs. While we celebrate this progress in the fight for LGBTQ equality, we must also recommit to the work that still lies ahead."

"Safe and affordable housing is a fundamental human right, and I am thrilled to see the Department of Housing and Urban Development take action and prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. The Biden Administration has made it a priority to prevent and combat discrimination throughout the federal government, and I commend them for their efforts to ensure every American receives equal treatment under the law," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Chris Pappas (NH-01).

"For years, so many LGBTQ+ people in this country have been housing-insecure because of the systems put in place to discriminate against us," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mondaire Jones (NY-17). "Finding a place to live is hard enough and we should not have to deal with the additional hurdle of navigating a minefield of discrimination. Everyone deserves to feel safe at home."

"Every person, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves the stability that housing provides individuals and families," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Ritchie Torres (NY-15). "I'm pleased to see HUD, under the Biden Administration, act swiftly to ensure no one faces housing discrimination. As a longtime advocate for the residents of public housing, I know firsthand how important it is to increase access to living in a stable and dignified home. This is an important step in the right direction."

Please contact Shawn Gaylord at 202-257-8416 or shawn.gaylord@mail.house.gov with press inquiries.

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.