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WHEREAS, April 11, 2021 marks the 53rd anniversary of the passage of the U.S. Fair Housing Law, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which, as amended, pronounces a national policy of Fair Housing for all without regard to identity under the protected classes of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status; mandating fair housing opportunities for all citizens; and
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WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh has provided its own protections against discrimination in housing since December 16, 1958 when Mayor David Lawrence signed the Fair Housing Practices ordinance into effect, which, as amended additionally prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of ancestry, gender identity, gender expression, place of birth, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, citizenship or immigration status, preferred language, or hairstyle; and
WHEREAS, People of all identities under every protected class are entitled to equal opportunities for the peaceful enjoyment of housing regardless of their identity whether it is actual or perceived; and
WHEREAS, Illegal barriers to equal opportunity in housing, whether subtle or blatant, diminish the rights of all and violate our community’s shared and deeply held values of equality and dignity for all; and
WHEREAS, The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations enforces the Pittsburgh City Code Chapter 659.03, prohibiting unlawful housing practices and joins with partners to raise awareness of fair housing issues and the discrimination that, despite great strides forward, persists; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations convened the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Task Force, which released twelve recommendations to the City of Pittsburgh for decreasing discrimination and increasing equity in housing; and
WHEREAS, Despite these efforts, discrimination in housing persists in our City and the City through its Mayor, Council, Commission on Human Relations, Housing Authority, Urban Redevelopment Authority, and Department of City planning still works toward achieving the recommendations of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Task Force and ending housing inequity for its citizens; and
WHEREAS, National Fair Housing Month is a time to join together and recommit to the task of eradicating housing discrimination and Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Pittsburgh encourages all agencies, institutions, and individuals, public and private, in the City of Pittsburgh to abide by the letter and spirit of the Fair Housing Law in the pursuit of expanding opportunities and improving the quality of life for all; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Pittsburgh commits to make every effort to support the citizens of Pittsburgh and the Departments, Board, Offices, and Authorities of the City of Pittsburgh in their fight to end discrimination in housing and Affirmatively Further Fair Housing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim April 2021, as “Fair Housing Month,” in the City of Pittsburgh.