Back in June of this year, Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of Family Equality Council attended President Obama’s signing of the Presidential Memorandum that extended some domestic partner benefits to federal employees. At that time, President Obama also stated an initiative requiring the heads of all federal agencies to identify other opportunities to ensure equality in government services and programs for LGBT people.

“We applaud Secretary Donovan for his leadership and President Obama for following through on his promise,” Chrisler said. “The proposed HUD actions are a great step towards full inclusion of LGBT families in federal programs and services. Family Equality Council looks forward to continuing to work with the Obama Administration in the future as it takes the next steps to ensure equal protection and treatment of all American families.”

According to today’s announcement, the proposed rule by HUD will make three important changes to federal regulations. First, it includes language that ensures LGBT families are recognized and covered by HUD programs, including affordable housing assistance.  Second it requires organizations that administer HUD grants to abide by state and local laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Third it prohibits consideration of factors other than creditworthiness, including sexual orientation and gender identity, in the awarding of mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration. 

 “As a parent your highest priority is taking care of your children. Family Equality Council’s mission is to help create and raise happy, healthy families. Central to family is the ability to rent an apartment or buy a house and make a home. These proposed regulations would prohibit discrimination LGBT families experience everyday in searching for apartments or home loans. The proposals would also remove obstacles for some of our most vulnerable families by removing barriers to access to HUD’s affordable housing assistance programs." – Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council

Currently Family Equality Council, with the generous pro bono assistance of Bryan Cave, LLP, has been analyzing all federal programs and services to ensure LGBT families are fairly and accurately represented. LGBT families are tax paying citizens who deserve equal access to federal programs and services. Family Equality Council is proud to support a number of federal bills benefiting LGBT families.

Follow this link to view Family Equality Council's press release.