Feds to Fight LGBT Housing Discrimination

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is announcing new rules to protect LGBT people against discrimination in federally supported housing programs. 

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced the new policy at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s National Conference in Baltimore, Md., over the weekend.

Under the new rules, operators of HUD-financed housing will be banned from asking an applicant about her or his sexual orientation or gender identity — or denying housing on that basis. 

“Our president and his administration believe the LGBT community deserves a place at the table — and also a place to call home,” Donovan said, according to a transcript provided by HUD. “Each of us here knows that rights most folks take for granted are routinely violated against LGBT people.”

The new HUD rules are set to be published this week.