Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3696

Introduced
6/3/25  

Caption

Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2025

Impact

If passed, HB3696 would specifically modify the language within the Fair Housing Act to explicitly include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This change would create a clearer legal framework under which victims of related discrimination can seek justice. Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential for protecting marginalized communities and aligning federal housing policies with contemporary understandings of gender and sexual diversity. This would mark a substantial shift in housing law and enhance the protections afforded to various demographic groups.

Summary

House Bill 3696, known as the Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Fair Housing Act by extending protections against discrimination based on sex, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill proposes to enhance existing provisions that currently address housing discrimination, ensuring that individuals facing such discrimination receive adequate protections and remedies under federal law. The introduction of this bill represents a significant step towards inclusivity in housing rights.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face opposition from some legislators and organizations that believe such measures could lead to increased litigation and regulatory burdens on housing providers. Critics may argue that the current protections suffice or express concerns about the implications of broadening definitions related to housing discrimination. The debate around HB3696 is expected to center on balancing non-discrimination with the interests of housing providers, making it a potential flashpoint in legislative discussions on civil rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB4439

Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2023

US HB15

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US SB5

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US HB2918

Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2023

US HR337

Original Fair Housing Resolution of 2023

US HB9734

SERVE Act Securing the Rights our Veterans Earned Act

US HB2846

Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2023

US HB4050

GLOBE Act of 2023 Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2023

US HB3583

Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act of 2023

US SB1293

Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.