The National Association of REALTORS®' Board of Directors voted in May 2011 to amend the Code of Ethics to include gender identity among its fair housing protections.
The move follows a 2011 resolution that added sexual orientation to the Code of Ethics.
NAR's incoming 2014 President Steve Brown — the association's first openly gay president — said Monday's amendment shows that REALTORS® "have demonstrated their all-inclusive support of ensuring fair housing opportunities."
"As we celebrate 100 years of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, this decision is a fitting example of the Code as a living, dynamic set of principles that define the professionalism that REALTORS® bring to the real estate transaction," Brown said. "I am proud to assume the presidency of an organization that provides such leadership in the area of professionalism and ethics."
Article 10 of the NAR Code of Ethics now reads as follows:
"REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity."
LGBT Folks: Why You Should Use a Gay Realtor
