Anti-War Activist Refuses To Rent Apartment To Iraq-Afghanistan Vet

ZenMaster - 2012-06-06 6:54 AM

The link doesnt seem to work.

In response to the title, If I owned an apartment building, I'd want to be able to decide who I rented or didnt rent to.

PART I
ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
(Chapters 1 through 182)

TITLE XXI
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

CHAPTER 151B
UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGIOUS CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY OR SEX

Section 4
Unlawful practices

Section 4. It shall be an unlawful practice:

6. For the owner, lessee, sublessee, licensed real estate broker, assignee or managing agent of publicly assisted or multiple dwelling or contiguously located housing accommodations or other person having the right of ownership or possession or right to rent or lease, or sell or negotiate for the sale of such accommodations, or any agent or employee of such a person, or any organization of unit owners in a condominium or housing cooperative: (a) to refuse to rent or lease or sell or negotiate for sale or otherwise to deny to or withhold from any person or group of persons such accommodations because of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, which shall not include persons whose sexual orientation involves minor children as the sex object, age, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status of such person or persons or because such person is a veteran or member of the armed forces, or because such person is blind, or hearing impaired or has any other handicap; (b) to discriminate against any person because of his race, religious creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, which shall not include persons whose sexual orientation involves minor children as the sex object, age, ancestry, or marital status or because such person is a veteran or member of the armed forces, or because such person is blind, or hearing impaired or has any other handicap in the terms, conditions or privileges of such accommodations or the acquisitions thereof, or in the furnishings of facilities and services in connection therewith, or because such a person possesses a trained dog guide as a consequence of blindness, or hearing impairment; (c) to cause to be made any written or oral inquiry or record concerning the race, religious creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, which shall not include persons whose sexual orientation involves minor children as the sex object, age, genetic information, ancestry or marital status of the person seeking to rent or lease or buy any such accommodation, or concerning the fact that such person is a veteran or a member of the armed forces or because such person is blind or hearing impaired or has any other handicap. The word “age” as used in this subsection shall not apply to persons who are minors nor to residency in state-aided or federally-aided housing developments for the elderly nor to residency in housing developments assisted under the federal low income housing tax credit and intended for use as housing for persons 55 years of age or over or 62 years of age or over, nor to residency in communities consisting of either a structure or structures constructed expressly for use as housing for persons 55 years of age or over or 62 years of age or over if the housing owner or manager register biennially with the department of housing and community development. For the purpose of this subsection, housing intended for occupancy by persons fifty-five or over and sixty-two or over shall comply with the provisions set forth in 42 USC 3601 et seq.

DanielG - 2012-06-06 7:02 AM Check MA law before you buy property to rent, then: http://www.bostonfairhousing.org/Housing-Rights.htmlUnder federal and state anti-discrimination laws it is illegal to discriminate in housing sales or rentals or in housing lending and insurance on the basis of: These characteristics are called "protected classes" Race Color National origin Religion Age Gender Sexual orientation Military history Disability Family status (families with children, single parents, unmarried parents) Source of income (have a housing subsidy (Section 8)and/or receive welfare or some other public assistance) It is illegal to: Refuse to rent, sell, or negotiate for housing on the basis of the characteristics of a protected class; Make housing unavailable or deny that housing is available; Set different terms, conditions or privileges for the sale or rental of housing; Deny or make different terms or conditions for a mortgage, home loan, homeowners insurance or other real estate related transaction; It is illegal to advertise housing for rent or sale in a way that is discriminatory. It is illegal to "blockbust for profit"; persuading owners to sell their homes by telling them minority groups are moving into the neighborhood. It is illegal to threaten, coerce or intimidate anyone attempting to exercise his or her fair housing rights. Examples of behavior that may be housing discrimination: You call and get an appointment to look at a house, but when you get there, you are told that the house was just sold. You are told that the apartment has been rented, but it is listed in the paper again. You are told a higher selling price than what was advertised, or what you hear others being told. You are told that they cannot rent to families with children because the house has lead paint. You are told that only married couples can purchase the unit. You are given different terms or conditions for signing a lease than other applicants. You are told that you can't or shouldn't buy the house because the neighbors might be unfriendly, or they many not accept families like yours. You are only shown homes in certain parts of town. You are not given the opportunity to negotiate.

ZenMaster - 2012-06-06 1:27 PM

I'm not from MA but its the law I'd have a problem with. I'd want to be able to decide who I rented (or didnt) to. Protecting certain classes means eliminating freedom of choice for others.

DanielG - 2012-06-06 1:30 PM I tend to agree with you...BUT As of right now it is the law and she left a voice mail stating just about exactly the wording used on the "These scenarios are illegal" page. Yeah, I would prefer no law like this and people able to, oh I don't know, choose who they want to associate with as per the 1st amendment and such minor things.

ZenMaster - 2012-06-06 12:33 PM

All the legality aside, though, its hard to see why someone would have a problem with a vet.

dewybuck - 2012-06-06 2:54 PM

From the article this was a message left by the owner:

"Because of what you told me about the Iraq war… we are very adamant about our beliefs… it’s just not comfortable for us… and I’m sure now that you know this, it would not be comfortable for you,” Roberts said in a voicemail to Morgan.

“I would suggest you do the right thing and look for a place less politically active or controversial.”

This seems very much in breach of the law, and I wonder how adamant they will be defending their beliefs in court.

IMO they have every right to hold whatever belief they like against this or any war, but when their belief turns into discrimination, it becomes an issue.

I hope this case does not harm any work being done to support the Vet's around the country.

TriSte - 2012-06-06 12:46 PM Another vote for "I hope he ends up owning the building".

ZenMaster - 2012-06-06 10:33 AM

All the legality aside, though, its hard to see why someone would have a problem with a vet.

mr2tony - 2012-06-06 9:41 PM

This begs the obvious question ...

DanielG - 2012-06-07 3:17 AM How many angles can dance on the head of a pin? How much wood could a woodchuck chuck? What's the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?