[Adopted by the Board of Selectmen 1-24-1989]
The Congress of the United States of America has declared a
national fair housing policy through Title VIII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1968. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has also declared a
state equal housing opportunity policy through the Massachusetts Fair
Housing Law, MGL Chapter 151B. Towns within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
are part of a long-standing tradition of equal justice for all persons.
A.
It is hereby resolved that the Town of Orleans affirms its commitment
to ensure equal opportunity in housing for all persons. The effects
of overt or covert discrimination based on race, color, religious
creed, national origin, sex, age, children, ancestry, marital status,
veteran status, source of income, blindness or deafness in the sale,
rental or financing of housing have insidious implications for the
moral base of any community. In the conduct of all town programs and
activities affecting the housing of town residents, the policy of
the town shall be to promote equal choice and access to housing for
all persons. The town shall take all action necessary and appropriate
to prevent discrimination in housing and housing services against
individuals residing or wishing to reside within its boundaries.
B.
The town recognizes that discriminatory practices are detrimental
to its citizens and to its future, and will take all necessary action
to remedy the effects of discrimination and prevent the continuation
of such practices. The town will aggressively move to counteract any
activities which restrict the potential for equal opportunity in housing.
C.
The town encourages all real estate agents, home builders, land developers,
mortgage lenders and landlords to review their operating practices
and join the town in making equal opportunity in housing a reality.
