Which classes were initially protected under the federal fair housing legislation of 1968?

The federal fair housing legislation of 1968, known as the Fair Housing Act, was established to make it unlawful to discriminate in housing practices based on certain protected classes. The correct answer identifies that the initial protected classes under this legislation included race, religion, and national origin.

Race was included to prevent discrimination that had historically marginalized various racial groups in housing. Religion was protected to ensure that individuals could not be denied housing based on their religious beliefs. National origin was included to protect individuals from discrimination based on the country of their heritage, ensuring equal access to housing regardless of one’s background.

The other answer choices mention classes that were either not part of the original Act or were added later. For example, age is not a protected class under the original Fair Housing Act, and while gender and disability protections were incorporated in subsequent amendments, they were not part of the initial 1968 legislation. Understanding the foundational aspects of fair housing legislation is crucial for real estate professionals, as it highlights the commitment to equality and non-discrimination in housing practices.