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Practice Of Real EstateFair HousingEASY

Sandra, a real estate salesperson in Baltimore, refuses to show homes in certain neighborhoods to a same-sex couple because of their sexual orientation. The couple files a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Under the Maryland Fair Housing Act, which outcome is most likely?

Correct Answer

C) The complaint will proceed because sexual orientation is a protected class under the Maryland Fair Housing Act.

The Maryland Fair Housing Act, Md. Code Ann., State Gov't §§ 20-701 et seq., explicitly includes sexual orientation as a protected class, which is not included in the federal Fair Housing Act's seven protected classes. Sandra's refusal to show homes based on the couple's sexual orientation constitutes unlawful discrimination under Maryland law, and the MCCR complaint will proceed.

Answer Options
A
The complaint will be dismissed because sexual orientation is only protected under federal, not Maryland, fair housing law.
B
The complaint will be dismissed because real estate agents are exempt from Maryland fair housing requirements.
C
The complaint will proceed because sexual orientation is a protected class under the Maryland Fair Housing Act.
D
The complaint will proceed only if the couple can demonstrate a pattern of discrimination by Sandra's brokerage.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fair_housingsexual_orientationprotected_classenforcementmccr

Related Concepts

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