Legislative History of the Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act, established in 1968, was created in response to widespread housing discrimination and civil rights movements. Its passage aimed to ensure that individuals could buy or rent homes without facing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Key events included the advocacy of civil rights leaders, public outrage over discrimination practices, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which galvanized support for the legislation. Amendments in 1988 expanded protections, reinforcing the commitment to housing equality for all Americans.