The National Housing Law Project Condemns Trump’s Discriminatory Proposal to Take Away Housing From People Based on Who They Are or Who They Love

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Housing Law Project today released the following statement by Chief Program Officer Deborah Thrope in response to Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proposal to force federally funded shelters to deny access to unhoused transgender individuals and allow federally funded housing providers to discriminate against applicants and tenants based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Everyone deserves the freedom to be who they are and love who they want without fear of discrimination. This unlawful proposal is a baseless assault by the Trump administration on LGBTQ+ people. Not only will the proposed policies directly harm families and communities, they will increase costs for state and local governments, hospital systems, and social services agencies by forcing more housing insecure people to live on the street rather than in shelter.

“This cruel proposal will force shelters that receive federal funding to turn away our trans neighbors and subject them to abuse, harassment, and unequal treatment. In addition, the proposal will allow federally assisted housing providers to discriminate against LGBTQ+ families just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ+ individuals are already more likely to be homeless and are disproportionately at risk of housing insecurity. 

“We wholeheartedly reject this proposal in solidarity with LGBTQ+ families and allies. Our country has the resources to ensure that all of us have a roof over our heads, and we are steadfast in our commitment to fight alongside LGBTQ+ tenants and neighbors until we’re all stably housed.”

The National Housing Law Project is reviewing the details of the proposal and will soon provide an analysis.