What is the purpose of the Fair Housing Act?

The purpose of the Fair Housing Act is to prohibit discrimination in housing based on various protected characteristics. This federal law was enacted to ensure that individuals have equal access to housing regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. By creating a legal framework to combat housing discrimination, the Act seeks to promote diverse and integrated communities, enhance equal opportunities for housing, and prevent practices that marginalize particular groups. The focus on various protected factors emphasizes the commitment to ensuring that all individuals can access housing without facing discrimination, which is a vital step towards achieving equality in residential choices.