Leonardtown, MD – April 2017 marks the 49th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The Maryland Association of Realtors 2017 Fair Housing theme is “Dreams Come True with Fair Housing.” The theme furthers housing choices for all everyone without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status and disability and encourages fair housing opportunities for all citizens.
At their March 28 business meeting the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County recognized Fair Housing Month with a proclamation. Maryland’s Fair Housing law was first enacted in 1971 and memorialized per Maryland Code, Article 49B, Sections 19-39 which adds marital status and sexual orientation as protected classes. Local efforts are vital to promoting Fair Housing and to expand opportunities and choices for all.
“The Southern Maryland Association of Realtors, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, Housing Authority of St. Mary’s County, St. Mary’s County Human Relations Commission, property owners, management companies and many others continue to build alliances supporting Fair Housing,” said Commissioner John O’Connor (3
rd District). “Illegal barriers to equal opportunity in housing, no matter how subtle, diminish the rights of all and ongoing educational outreach and monitoring are key to raising awareness of fair housing principles, practices, rights and responsibilities.”