LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance President Erin Morrinson has published an op-ed via Inman, addressing how the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric around the nation is a real estate concern, highlighting the rationale of the so-called “Article 10 Rule” and encouraging colleagues to be vocal and stand up against hate this Pride.
“This has been a very disconcerting Pride Month,” Morrinson writes. “Rather than being able to celebrate who we are as a community, enjoy the support of millions of allies and recognize the strides we have made, the LGBTQ+ community has been forced into a defensive posture. It is a stark reminder that while the overwhelming majority of Americans are wonderfully welcoming, there is a loud minority that is creating another barrier of full acceptance.
“This anti-LGBTQ+ movement has become a real estate issue. Real people. People I, and others in the Alliance, know are working with are being discriminated against and forced from their homes,” Morrinson continues.
Among Morrinson’s points in the op-ed, today’s discriminatory rhetoric goes against the very values professional realtors hold.
“Unfortunately, our own industry is supporting elected officials who are fueling the vitriol against the LGBTQ+ community. That is why the Alliance is working to get our “Article 10 Rule” passed by local, regional and state Realtor associations and their RPACs,” Morrinson writes.
“As an industry, we can no longer stand idly by as those elected officials and candidates who gain our industry’s support by being “pro-housing” also openly discriminate. Our idea is simple. Just as Realtors cannot discriminate under Article 10 of the Realtors Code of Ethics, we must ensure those elected officials RPACs support are also non-discriminatory. Momentum is building as Phoenix Realtors has become the latest group to adopt the Alliance’s policy, joining the Greater Palm Springs Realtors, DC Association of Realtors and Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors.”
To read the full op-ed, head to Inman by clicking here.