From
Jana Mims
Title
Ordinance amending Chapter 13.5, Article II, "Fair Housing," of the Code of Ordinances, to include familial status as a protected class
Presenter
William A. Hills, Director
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 establishes an administrative enforce-ment mechanism, provides stiffer penalties than the present act, and expands its coverage to include disabled persons and families with children.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act) as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and handicap (disability). In 1988 the Fair Housing Amendments Act expanded its coverage to include families with children as a protected class (familial status).
The city’s Code of Ordinances Article II of Chapter 13.5 “Fair Housing” does not include familial status. Familial status protects families with children (under 18 years old); women who are pregnant and anyone securing legal custody of a child under 18 from housing discrimination. By incorporating familial status as a protective class, makes the ordinance substantially equivalent to the Federal Fair Housing Act.
Financial Consideration
None
Body
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 13.5 "HUMAN RELATIONS," ARTICLE II, "FAIR HOUSING," TO INCORPORATE FAMILIAL STATUS AS A PROTECTED CLASS
WHEREAS, It is the policy of the city to bring about, through fair, orderly and lawful procedures, the opportunity for each person to obtain housing without regard
to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability.
WHEREAS, The Fair Housing Act, which is the federal law governing housing discrimination, includes the following seven protected classes: race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, disability and familial status.
WHEREAS, It is neces...
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