What was added to the Fair Housing Act in the 1988 amendment?

The Fair Housing Act, which was originally enacted in 1968 to prevent discrimination in housing, was amended in 1988 to expand protections against discrimination. The amendment specifically added protections for familial status and disability.

Familial status protects individuals from being discriminated against based on their family composition, such as parents or guardians with children under the age of 18. This was a significant addition, as it addresses situations where families might have been unfairly treated in housing markets based on the presence of children.

Additionally, the amendment provided protections for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they could access housing without discrimination and requiring reasonable accommodations to be made for their needs. This change recognized the importance of providing equal housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their disability status.

Overall, the inclusion of familial status and disability in the Fair Housing Act represents a critical step toward achieving equality and inclusivity in housing and addresses significant areas of discrimination that were not previously covered.