Which protected classes were added by the Fair Housing Amendments Act in 1988?

Which protected classes were added by the Fair Housing Amendments Act in 1988?

• A. Race and Gender
• B. Handicap and Familial Status
• C. Religion and National Origin
• D. Marital Status and Age

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is that the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 added handicap (disability) and familial status as protected classes. This legislation was a significant expansion of the Fair Housing Act originally enacted in 1968, which already prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Handicap refers to individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities or those with a history of such disabilities. Familial status protects families with children under the age of 18 and also includes women who are pregnant. By including these two classes, the Fair Housing Amendments Act aimed to provide broader protections and ensure equal opportunities in housing for individuals and families facing such challenges. This update reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect vulnerable populations in the housing market, ensuring that individuals are not denied housing opportunities based on their disability status or family composition.

The correct answer is that the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 added handicap (disability) and familial status as protected classes. This legislation was a significant expansion of the Fair Housing Act originally enacted in 1968, which already prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Handicap refers to individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities or those with a history of such disabilities. Familial status protects families with children under the age of 18 and also includes women who are pregnant. By including these two classes, the Fair Housing Amendments Act aimed to provide broader protections and ensure equal opportunities in housing for individuals and families facing such challenges.

This update reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect vulnerable populations in the housing market, ensuring that individuals are not denied housing opportunities based on their disability status or family composition.