Biden Administration Breaks Down Barrier To Housing for Transgender People

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today confirmed that the Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
 
The action follows President Joe Biden’s executive order issued on Jan. 20 on “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation,” which applied the reasoning in Bostock v. Clayton County to all federal agencies. HUD becomes the first agency to implement the terms of the executive order.
 
“Having access to a safe and secure place to live is essential. The Biden administration has demonstrated its commitment to fighting discrimination against transgender and non-binary people,” said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. “For transgender people who have struggled to find a place to live, to buy a home or get housing assistance, this is a really big deal. The president has made clear – again – that he is committed to fairness, equality, and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and that transgender people should be able to live without fear of discrimination.”
 
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 protects people from discrimination in housing-related activities, including renting or buying a home, mortgage applications and housing assistance.