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8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This joint resolution of the Legislature commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Fair
11 Housing Act.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 ▸ commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act; and
15 ▸ commends the Utah Association of Realtors for its commitment to fair housing.
16 Special Clauses:
17 None
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19 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
20 WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are
21 renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing by providing that a person may not be
22 discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or
23 presence of children;
24 WHEREAS, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act in April 1968 and it was signed into
25 law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968;
26 WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Act was signed into law at an important cultural turning
27 point in America after decades of civil unrest, racial zoning, and court sanctioned deed
28 discrimination based on race, national origin, and religion;
29 WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Act was an important step in prohibiting such
30 discrimination;
31 WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Act states, "It is the policy of the United States to
32 provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the United States.";
33 WHEREAS, in 1975, the National Association of Realtors adopted an agreement with
34 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to:
35 - promote fair housing;
36 - educate members regarding their rights and obligations under the Fair Housing Act;
37 - develop and recommend fair housing procedures for members; and
38 - participate in community based fair housing activities;
39 WHEREAS, in 1988, the National Association of Realtors supported expanding the
40 Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on familial status and handicap or disability;
41 WHEREAS, in 2016, the National Association of Realtors resolved to seek changes to
42 the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender
43 identity;
44 WHEREAS, in 1988, the state of Utah adopted the Utah Fair Housing Act, which
45 protects Utahns by prohibiting housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion,
46 national origin, disability, source of income, familial status, sexual orientation, or gender
47 identity;
48 WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Unit in the Division of Antidiscrimination and Labor at
49 the Utah Labor Commission is committed to education and outreach by providing workshops
50 and educational opportunities for renters, purchasers, property managers, and owners;
51 WHEREAS, fair and affordable housing is vital to the success of our growing state, and
52 it is the responsibility of government agencies, the Legislature, and industry leaders to promote,
53 educate, and participate in fair housing practices;
54 WHEREAS, as an industry leader, the Utah Association of Realtors is committed to
55 combating housing discrimination and pledges to give equal professional services to any person
56 regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual
57 orientation, or gender identity;
58 WHEREAS, the health, education, and economic opportunities of Utah families are
59 directly impacted by where they live;
60 WHEREAS, discriminatory housing practices create racial, social, and economic
61 divides in our communities that inhibit the growth of our citizens; and
62 WHEREAS, diversity creates stronger communities and provides Utahns the best
63 opportunity to achieve the American dream, and fair housing plays an integral role in fostering
64 such communities:
65 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
66 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.
67 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature supports and encourages fair
68 housing policies throughout the state.
69 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recognizes the Utah Association of
70 Realtors as a partner in combating housing discrimination.