Nevada, Connecticut Add Fair Housing Protections Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression

In June, two more states added fair housing protections to cover sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

On June 1, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval signed into law a bill (SB368) to prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

And Connecticut, which already prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation, new legislation (HB6599) adds gender identity or expression to the list of characteristics protected under the state fair housing law.

When those laws take effect on Oct. 1, 2011, fair housing laws in 15 states and the District of Columbia will prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Another six ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, the task force reports.

Sources: Connecticut General Assembly; Nevada Legislature; National Gay and Lesbian Task Force