Realtors Association Approves Sexual Orientation Protections For Clients

The board of directors of the 1.2 million member National Association of Realtors (NAR) has approved a rule that bans its members from discriminating against clients based on their sexual orientation.

The board amended Article 10 of the Code of Ethics, which addresses "duties to the public." That part of the Code already prohibits realtors from discriminating against customers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Standard of Practice 10-3 was also amended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in any advertisements for selling or renting property. The change, met with applause, was passed unanimously by the Professional Standards Committee earlier in the week. The measure will now go before the NAR Delegate Body for approval at NAR’s annual conference in November.

Some states and numerous municipalities already have laws that prohibit housing discrimination, but this move by the NAR is certainly welcome.

(Tipped by JMG reader Richard)