April 2014 marks the 46th anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act. Each year REALTORS® recognize the significance of this event and reconfirm our commitment to upholding fair housing law as well as our commitment to offering equal professional service to all in their search for real property.

REALTORS® are the first defense and most effective promoters of Fair Housing, and by practicing  your profession with fairness and integrity, you strengthen the reality of the law.  Simple as that. Every  time you talk to a prospective home-buyer or tenant, you’re sending a message about property rights and housing opportunity. With every business interaction, you show that you believe in equal housing opportunity, and that you don’t make assumptions based on race, color, religion, gender, familial status, disability, national origin, gender identity or sexual orientation.

At the same time, just as REALTORS® promote fair housing, the law is there to protect you in return. When you suspect discrimination, it is your responsibility to do something about it, safe in the knowledge that the law will back you up. Your REALTOR® Association is behind you at every level, too, with information, resources, and real help. When you’re ready to take your advocacy a step further, participation in the REALTOR® Party supports programs that uplift communities across the country.