House Concurrent Resolution 94

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT.

WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying or securing financing for housing by providing that a person may not be discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or the presence of children; and

WHEREAS, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act and it was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, and its enactment occurred at an important cultural turning point in America after decades of civil unrest, racial zoning and court sanctioned deed discrimination based on race, national origin and religion, and the Fair Housing Act was an important step in prohibiting such discrimination; and

WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Act states, "It is the policy of the United States to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the United States."; and

WHEREAS, in 1975, the National Association of Realtors adopted an agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to promote fair housing, educate members regarding their rights and obligations under the Act, develop and recommend fair housing procedures for members, and participate in community based fair housing activities; and

WHEREAS, fair and affordable housing is vital to the success of our growing state, and it is the responsibility of government agencies, the Legislature and industry leaders to promote, educate and participate in fair housing practices; and

WHEREAS, as an industry leader, the Mississippi Association of Realtors is committed to combating housing discrimination and has pledged to give equal professional services to any person regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity; and

WHEREAS, the health, education and economic opportunities of Mississippi families are directly impacted by where they live, and

discriminatory housing practices create racial, social and economic divides in our communities that inhibit the growth of our citizens, but diversity creates stronger communities and provides Mississippians the best opportunity to achieve the American dream, and fair housing plays an integral role in fostering such communities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, and support and encourage fair housing policies throughout the state and recognize the Mississippi Association of Realtors as a partner in combating housing discrimination.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Mississippi Association of Realtors and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.