Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4439

Introduced
6/30/23  

Caption

Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2023

Impact

If passed, HB 4439 would amend significant portions of the Fair Housing Act to explicitly include new protected classes. This inclusion would require housing providers, both public and private, to adhere to anti-discrimination standards that now encompass sexual orientation and gender identity among other characteristics such as race, religion, and familial status. The bill aims to create more equitable housing opportunities and prevent discrimination against these groups, which could lead to an increase in fair housing complaints and a reevaluation of housing practices across many states.

Summary

House Bill 4439, known as the Fair and Equal Housing Act of 2023, seeks to extend protections under the Fair Housing Act to individuals discriminated against based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This bill amends the existing law to ensure that these categories are explicitly included in the definitions of discrimination, aiming to enhance the legal protections available to marginalized groups in housing contexts. The legislation reflects ongoing national conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and aims to foster inclusive housing policies.

Contention

Notably, discussions around HB 4439 are expected to evoke a range of opinions. Proponents argue that this legislation is vital for protecting the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that they have equal access to housing without fear of discrimination. However, opponents may express concerns regarding religious exemptions for housing providers and how the bill might impact their rights. This tension highlights broader societal debates over the balance between protecting individual rights and accommodating differing beliefs, making the bill a significant point of contention in the legislative landscape.

Companion Bills

US SB5

Related 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 HB15

Related 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.