Which class is NOT considered a federally protected class under fair housing laws?

Sexual orientation is not currently recognized as a federally protected class under the Fair Housing Act, which ensures that individuals are protected from discrimination based on specific characteristics when leasing or buying housing. The Fair Housing Act explicitly enumerates certain groups that are protected, including disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, and family status.

Disability is a federally protected class, meaning that individuals cannot be discriminated against because of a physical or mental impairment. Similarly, race is a fundamental protected category, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to discrimination based on their racial background. Family status is also covered, which protects families with children under the age of 18, as well as pregnant women.

While some state and local laws may extend protections to individuals based on sexual orientation, these protections are not part of the federal Fair Housing Act. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the gap in federal protections concerning sexual orientation in the context of housing laws.