Massachusetts Real Estate License Practice Test

Which groups are protected under the 1968 Act and its 1988 amendment?

1. Only race and color

2. Race, sex, color, religion, national origin, and disability

3. Socioeconomic status and marital status

4. Only familial status

The correct answer is: Race, sex, color, religion, national origin, and disability

The correct answer reflects the comprehensive list of protected characteristics established under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and its amendment in 1988. This legislation aims to prevent discrimination in housing based on several specific attributes to promote equality and ensure fair access to housing for all individuals. The groups protected include race, sex, color, religion, national origin, and disability. The 1988 amendment specifically expanded the protections to include familial status, which protects families with children under the age of 18, and individuals who are pregnant or in the process of securing custody of a child. Therefore, some crucial aspects such as sex and disability, which are pivotal in safeguarding against discrimination, demonstrate how this answer encompasses the full scope of protection intended by the Act. Other options, like those suggesting only race and color, or more limited groups such as only familial status, do not reflect the full intent of the law. The Fair Housing Act is designed to be inclusive and protect a diverse range of individuals, ensuring that discrimination is prohibited on various grounds, which is why option B accurately represents the Act's provisions.