Which legislation added familial status to the protected classes under fair housing?

The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 is significant because it expanded the original Fair Housing Act of 1968, which primarily addressed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The 1988 amendments added familial status and disability as additional protected classes, thereby making it illegal to discriminate against families with children or individuals with disabilities in housing-related situations.

Familial status refers to individuals who are pregnant or in the process of securing legal custody of a minor child. This legislation was crucial in promoting fair treatment in housing for families, as it aimed to mitigate discrimination that might prevent families with children from accessing housing. Thus, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of housing rights in the United States, ensuring broader protection for various groups.