What does the Fair Housing Act of 1968 protect against?

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 is a significant piece of legislation aimed at eliminating discrimination in housing. It specifically protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, religion, and national origin in the context of selling or renting housing. This means that landlords, real estate agents, and sellers cannot refuse to rent or sell housing to a person because of their race or color, nor can they impose different terms or conditions based on these protected categories.

The law was enacted in the wake of the civil rights movement, recognizing the need to address systemic inequalities and providing a mechanism to help ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities. The focus on these specific categories underscores the importance of combating deep-rooted societal issues related to racism and discrimination.

While the Fair Housing Act does not address discrimination in employment, public services, or based on age, it lays the groundwork for subsequent legislation that expands protections in other areas, demonstrating its fundamental role in advancing civil rights in America.