NAR Bars Sexual Orientation Discrimination... Is Congress Next?

It may not be unlawful for members of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) to discriminate based on sexual orientation (that depends on state and local law), but members who do engage in such housing practices now run afoul of their own ethical code.

In a ballot vote weighted by size of local association conducted on November 9, an amendment to bar sexual orientation discrimination passed by 93%, according to a report from REALTOR® Magazine.

For the first time, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics includes a protected class that's not a part of the Fair Housing Act (FHA). When this issue was raised among the delegates, one delegate reportedly justified the move by pointing out that the Code's purpose is to hold NAR members to a higher standard.

Do you agree? Do you think such a development is a sign that similar legislative changes are around the corner?

What do you think?