HUD Issues Proposed Rule to End LGBT Housing Discrimination

HUD has announced a series of proposals to ensure that its core housing programs are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Although there are no national assessments of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) housing discrimination, there are state and local studies that have shown this sort of bias. For example, Michigan's Fair Housing Centers recently found that nearly 30 percent of same-sex couples were treated differently when attempting to buy or rent a home.

HUD has issued a proposed rule that will provide the opportunity for public comment. The proposed rule will:

• Clarify that the term “family” as used to describe eligible beneficiaries of public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs include otherwise eligible LGBT individuals and couples; and

• Require grantees and those who participate in HUD programs to comply with local and state nondiscrimination laws that cover sexual orientation or gender identity.

HUD will also commission the first-ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing.