National Association of REALTORS® Bans Sexual Orientation Discrimination

With New York’s recent gay marriage headlines bursting at the seams of every major newspaper. The National Association of REALTORS® is also making a difference toward equality.

The National Association of REALTORS® recently added language to its code of ethics banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. Article 10 of NAR’s REALTORS® Code of Ethics previously prohibited the “denial of its professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.” Coming ahead of any similar legislation on the part of the Federal Government, NAR’s amended code of professional ethics to include sexual orientation reflects its member’s commitment to “a higher standard” of ethics. Furthermore, the committee understands its decision as a logical evolution for a business organization that sells a brighter, more equitable tomorrow for all Americans.
Social and Economic Equality for Some?
Across the country, the question of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender rights has become a hallmark of bi-partisan politics. The law and the alleged “moral majority” are at odds again. That is really what is at stake: the constitutional rights of LGBT identifiers versus the moral incompatibility of a more socially homogenous America.
In November 2008, California, the largest state of registered voters, voted to ban marriage that was “not between a man and a woman.” In June, New York became only the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. The issue of LGBT rights has been cynically conflated by ideologues, religious leaders and politicians into a debate over the “soul of America”—a soul that historically has been defined by choice, staunch individualism and equal access as guaranteed under the law. For the LGBT community, the presumed securities of equal access and purchasing power in their dream communities remain elusive.
Representation for a Lifetime
The rich tapestry of cultures, peoples and neighborhoods that is simply called the American way of life was not created overnight. Groups like the National Association of REALTORS® continue the work of community building and the shaping of social attitudes for the better amidst a bitter bipartisanship that has gridlocked national and state lawmaking bodies. With results that stick and polished business acumen, Groups like NAR and actual real estate brokerages like http://www.GayRealEstate.com are the business end of the LGBT struggle. These organizations represent a community-business tandem that is sidestepping the national quagmire of when-and-if debate in favor of fair and equal representation, accountability and action.
Established in 1991, http://www.GayRealEstate.com operates under a few simple precepts: discrimination isn’t likely to be eradicated tomorrow and no one should feel shame, humiliation or like a second class citizen when making a major investment like buying a home. As the largest single investment many of us will make in a lifetime, buying a home is, in fact, the realization of our greatest aspirations. As the LGBT community knows well, life cannot simply be put on hold while others come to a consensus.
The founder at http://www.GayRealEstate.com, Jeff Hammerberg, REALTOR® has brought together countless gay, lesbian and gay friendly realtors from every major real estate company in the nation. All of its realtors have been vetted for discretion, professionalism and are certified GFRs—Gay Friendly Realtors. Aside from its steadfast commitment to LGBT equality under the law, GayRealEstate.com and its agents offer a complete solution to all your home buying and selling needs. From neighborhood introductions, to free buyers representation, contract signing to inspections and closing, its realtors are faithful representatives of the LGBT homebuyer.
The National Association of REALTORS and http://www.GayRealEstate.com are advancing the cause of the LGBT community by helping LGBT homebuyers get on with their lives and with gratifying purpose. Perhaps more of us should be demanding “Gay Friendly” as an industry standard.