Illinois partners with feds to enforce protections against housing discrimination

by Gary Barlow

Chicago, IL — While Congress has dragged its feet on passing laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Obama administration has implemented new federal rules that prohibit discrimination in housing, at least when federal funds are involved.

That, in turn, has made it easier to enforce Illinois’ prohibition against such discrimination, thanks to a strong partnership fostered by Illinois officials and the Obama administration.

In February the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published a new regulation that prohibits HUD-funded and HUD-insured housing providers, as well as FHA-approved lenders, from basing eligibility determinations on actual or perceived gender identity, sexual orientation or marital status.

Illinois partners with feds to enforce protections against housing discrimination