LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisvillians can't be turned down for housing based on their arrest or conviction history, homeless status, source of income, or military service record, according to an ordinance signed by Mayor Greg Fischer Wednesday.

“It’s not enough to fight the legacy of historic discrimination. We must fight harder than ever to put an end to 21st-century discrimination in our city today. And housing, in particular, has been an area where racism and other forms of discrimination still hurt too many people in our city for far too long,” Fischer said. “This work is particularly critical now, because, as we’ve seen, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to housing insecurity concerns for people across our city, particularly low-wage workers, often renters, often people of color, whose incomes have been reduced or eliminated.”

Louisville's ordinances provide for non-discriminatory housing practices for protected classes such as race, color, religion, national origin, familial status, disability, sex, gender identity, and sexual ordinance.

Councilwoman Jessica Green (D, District 1) sponsored the ordinance.

“I’m proud that this measure is coming to fruition. We need more protections for our city’s renters to successfully find affordable housing without facing unfair treatment from landlords,” Green said. “The need for affordable housing is important and necessary during this era, and this will now eliminate obstacles.” 

Louisville's Chief Equity Officer Kendall Boyd highlighted what the ordinance means for veterans.

“These factors combined with the increased likelihood that veterans will exhibit symptoms of PTSD, substance abuse, or mental illness can compound to put veterans at a greater risk of homelessness than the general population, which subjects them to higher rates of discriminatory housing practices,” Boyd said. “As a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) partner, the Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission must advance and affirmatively further fair housing for these unprotected classes.”

Lisa Osanka, Louisville Metro Housing Authority director, called the ordinance a step in the right direction.

“Now is the time to address the unfair practices against our city’s renters and provide added protections that help residents find secure, affordable housing. With renters facing so many challenges such as unemployment and a global pandemic, this new law is timely and a step in the right direction.”

Louisville Metro Council President David James (D, District 6) and councilmembers Bill Hollander (D, District 9), Barbara Shanklin (D, District 2), Keisha Dorsey (D, District 3), and Donna Purvis (D, District 5) also sponsored the ordinance.

Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.