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JOINT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 50TH

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ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT

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2018 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Gage Froerer

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Senate Sponsor: J. Stuart Adams

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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.






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Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel