What is the primary purpose of the Fair Housing Act?

The primary purpose of the Fair Housing Act is to prohibit discrimination in housing. This federal law, enacted in 1968 and amended in subsequent years, aims to ensure that individuals have the right to housing without facing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. By enacting this legislation, the government seeks to promote equal opportunity in housing and mitigate systemic discrimination that historically affected marginalized groups.

The Fair Housing Act empowers individuals facing discrimination to file complaints and seek enforcement, thereby reinforcing the principle of equality in housing access. Ensuring that everyone can secure housing on a fair basis is fundamental to creating diverse and inclusive communities.