Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner’s decision to suspend enforcement of HUD’s 2016 rule entitled “Equal Access in Accordance With an Individual’s Gender Identity in Community Planning and Development Programs,” which ensures that individuals are not denied equal access to services, benefits, and shelter provided through HUD programs based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.

“It is shameful that the Trump Administration is attempting to lock transgender and gender non-conforming individuals out of life-saving shelter in the dead of winter by halting all enforcement of the Equal Access Rule.

“HUD has a legal responsibility under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 to both enforce the law and affirmatively administer federal housing programs in a fair and equitable manner. The strengthened protections provided under the Equal Access Rule are needed now more than ever. As our nation faces one of the worst housing and homelessness crises to date, LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to face housing instability and homelessness compared to straight, cisgender individuals. Black transgender individuals experience homelessness at five times the rate compared to the general U.S. population and LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely than their peers to experience homelessness. According to HUD’s latest homelessness point in time count, of those who are homeless and identify as gender-questioning, 81% are experiencing unsheltered homelessness which represents the gender-identity with the highest rate of unsheltered homelessness.

“Despite Secretary Turner’s cruelty, individuals must be aware that Fair Housing Act protections may still apply at the federal level, as well as additional protections that may be available at the state and local level. Committee Democrats and I stand ready to continue the fight for fair and affordable housing for all and to protect the rights of every American.”

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