While speaking to a group of Realtors, Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher said homeowners should be able to refuse to sell their property to LGBTI people.
Rohrabacher, who represents California’s 48th District, was talking to an Orange County Association of Realtors delegation in Washington, DC on 16 May.
Wayne Woodyard, a former Orange County Realtor president, reported what Rohrabacher said.
‘Every homeowner should be able to make a decision not to sell their home to someone (if) they don’t agree with their lifestyle,’ the politician told the group.
On Thursday (24 May), he confirmed his sentiments.
‘We’ve drawn a line on racism, but I don’t think we should extend that line. A homeowner should not be required to be in business with someone they think is doing something that is immoral.’
These comments led the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to withdraw its recommendation and support for Rohrabacher.
‘It was determined that Rep. Rohrabacher will no longer receive support from NAR’s President’s Circle,’ a statement said. The group’s code of ethics bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Out of touch
‘It is unconscionable that in 2018 that Dana Rohrabacher believes LGBTQ people do not deserve legal protections from housing discrimination,’ David Stacy, Human Rights Campaign Government Affairs Director. ‘He could not be more out of touch with everyday Americans and his own constituents.’
Stacy added that other Republicans support non-discrimination policies.
‘Speaker Ryan, who has supported employment non-discrimination protections in the past, should make clear that House Republicans reject Rohrabacher’s comments and schedule a hearing on LGBTQ housing discrimination.’
