May 2009 Coach's Quiz

April 30, 2009

We have given you seven rules on how to avoid fair housing trouble under state and local laws protecting sexual orientation. Now let's look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH's Quiz to see what you have learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, (1)b, (2)a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

We have given you seven rules on how to avoid fair housing trouble under state and local laws protecting sexual orientation. Now let's look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH's Quiz to see what you have learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, (1)b, (2)a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

Even though federal fair housing law does not ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, a community could face a fair housing complaint if it treats applicants or residents differently because of their sexual orientation. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #2

A community cannot be liable for a fair housing violation based on sexual harassment if the accused employee and the resident are both men. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #3

A community could face a fair housing complaint for advertising its “family-friendly” environment and using only pictures of opposite-sex couples with children in marketing materials. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #4

A community cannot be liable for housing discrimination based on sexual orientation unless the applicant or resident is gay, lesbian, or bisexual. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

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Coach's Answers & Explanations

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #1 applies here:

Rule #1: Get to Know Your State and Local Laws

Federal law does not protect sexual orientation, but communities could be liable for treating applicants and residents differently based on sexual orientation under applicable state or local law.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rule #2 applies here:

Rule #2: Review Policies and Procedures

Make sure your policies banning sexual harassment apply even if the victim and the harasser are men. You risk liability under the FHA because it bans sexual harassment, even if both parties are of the same sex. In addition, you could be liable for discrimination based on sexual orientation under applicable state or local laws.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #4 applies here:

Rule #4: Don't Discriminate in Advertising and Marketing Materials

If subject to state or local laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, a community may be liable if its advertising or marketing materials express a preference either for or against people with a certain sexual orientation.

QUESTION #4

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rule #1 applies here:

Rule #1: Get to Know Your State and Local Laws

Liability under state and local laws protecting sexual orientation is not limited to applicants or residents who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Many state and local laws also protect both sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. In addition, the laws generally ban discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, so a community could be liable for discriminating against an applicant based on a mistaken belief about his or her sexual orientation.

See The Lesson For This Quiz

How To Prevent Housing Discrimination Based On Sexual Orientation

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