Leonardtown, MD – April marks the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The Maryland Association of REALTORS’ 2016 Fair Housing theme is “Everyone Wins With Fair Housing.”
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County believe the theme will further housing choices for all Americans without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, family status or disability, and to encourage fair housing opportunities for all county citizens. With this as a cornerstone the commissioners have declared the month of April Fair Housing Month.
The Maryland 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 continue to be vital in promoting Fair Housing and combat discrimination.
“The Southern Maryland Association of Realtors, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, the Housing Authority of St. Mary’s County, the St. Mary’s County Human Relations Commission, property owners, management companies and many others continue to build alliances supporting Fair Housing,” said Commissioner Michael Hewitt (2nd 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.”
The commissioners encourage all citizens to abide by the letter and spirit of Fair Housing Laws.