Celebrating 40 Years of the Fair Housing Act

April 30, 2008 - Forty years ago, seven days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act of 1968 ("Civil Rights Act"). The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. After the act, neighborhoods could no longer be designated 'whites only' and restrictive racial covenants were outlawed. All Americans were given equal rights to the sale, rent, lease, and finance of their home in all housing markets. Senate Democrats are committed to safeguarding those rights. Senator Richard Durbin said, "If we're really going to strive for the kind of opportunity which is the hallmark of America, we really have to talk about economic opportunity. That means making certain that people have an opportunity for a job that gives them a chance to raise their family and a decent place to live in a safe neighborhood. That's why the Fair Housing Act is so important."

Senate Democrats remain committed to Fair Housing for all Americans. The Senate Democratic Communication Center has released a video entitled, "Looking Back, Moving Forward: Democrats Celebrate 40 Years of the Fair Housing Civil Rights Act." It reflects on the successes of our past and Senate Democrats' commitment to work towards a more equitable future for all of our neighbors who seek to live the American dream.

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