HUD PROPOSES NEW RULE

 It is great that HUD is making sure that there is no discrimination based on "irrelevant criteria" like being LGBT. While this is a good thing because this kind of discrimination does happen, it is sad that they HAVE to propose new rules to cover it.
Here is an exercise.... Replace every mention of sexual orientation or gender identity with any race, nationality, disability,or religion. Seems odd?
It is not American to deny (Add race here) Americans the right to own a home just because they are  (Add religion here).

There are policies to cover discrimination of all kinds except being gay. We are the last minority to be openly discriminated against in this country and because of this we are denied services, protections, health care, and basic civil rights. Our youth are struggling to survive the bully's crap and many are homeless.

I look forward to the day when we no longer need to list all the reasons we can not discriminate because we are ALL Americans, but until then, I want on the list.
Thanks to HUD for the crumb.

HUD PROPOSES NEW RULE TO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO HOUSING

REGARDLESS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY 

            “This is a fundamental issue of fairness,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.  “We have a responsibility to make certain that public programs are open to all Americans.  With this proposed rule, we will make clear that a person’s eligibility for federal housing programs is, and should be, based on their need and not on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

            HUD is seeking public comment on a number of proposed areas including:

Ø Prohibiting lenders from using sexual orientation or gender identity as a basis to determine a borrower’s eligibility for FHA-insured mortgage financing.  FHA’s current regulations provide that a mortgage lender’s determination of the adequacy of a borrower’s income “shall be made in a uniform manner without regard to” specified prohibited grounds.  The proposed rule would add actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity to the prohibited grounds to ensure FHA-approved lenders do not deny or otherwise alter the terms of mortgages on the basis of irrelevant criteria.

Ø Clarifying that all otherwise eligible families, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, have the opportunity to participate in HUD programs.  In the majority of HUD’s rental and homeownership programs the term “family” already has a broad scope, and includes a single person and families with or without children.  HUD’s proposed rule clarifies that families, otherwise eligible for HUD programs, may not be excluded because one or more members of the family may be an LGBT individual, have an LGBT relationship, or be perceived to be such an individual or in such relationship. 

Ø  Prohibiting owners and operators of HUD-assisted housing, or housing whose financing is insured by HUD, from inquiring about the sexual orientation or gender identity of an applicant for, or occupant of, the dwelling, whether renter- or owner-occupied.  HUD is proposing to institute this policy in its rental assistance and homeownership programs, which include the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs, community development programs, and public and assisted housing programs.