Which class is NOT federally protected under fair housing laws?

Which class is NOT federally protected under fair housing laws?

• A. Race
• B. Gender
• C. Smoker
• D. Disability

Answer: (C)

Fair housing laws, particularly the Fair Housing Act, outline specific classes that are federally protected, ensuring individuals are not discriminated against in housing based on certain characteristics. These federally recognized protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex (gender), disability, and familial status. In this context, smokers do not fall under any federally protected category. Fair housing laws do not specifically address smoking status; therefore, discrimination against someone based on whether they smoke or not does not qualify as a violation of fair housing statutes. This is why "smoker" is the correct answer, as it is not a group afforded protection under these laws. In contrast, race and gender are explicitly protected classes, as is disability, reinforcing the commitment to equal housing opportunities for all individuals regardless of these traits.

Fair housing laws, particularly the Fair Housing Act, outline specific classes that are federally protected, ensuring individuals are not discriminated against in housing based on certain characteristics. These federally recognized protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex (gender), disability, and familial status.

In this context, smokers do not fall under any federally protected category. Fair housing laws do not specifically address smoking status; therefore, discrimination against someone based on whether they smoke or not does not qualify as a violation of fair housing statutes. This is why "smoker" is the correct answer, as it is not a group afforded protection under these laws.

In contrast, race and gender are explicitly protected classes, as is disability, reinforcing the commitment to equal housing opportunities for all individuals regardless of these traits.