Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee, condemned HUD Secretary Scott Turner’s decision to suspend enforcement of HUD’s 2016 rule, “Equal Access in Accordance with an Individual’s Gender Identity in Community Planning and Development Programs” (see Memo, 2/10). In her statement, Congresswoman Waters called the Trump Administration's actions “shameful,” adding that the Administration is “attempting to lock transgender and gender non-conforming individuals out of life-saving shelters in the dead of winter by halting enforcement of the Equal Access Rule.” Waters emphasized the critical need for these protections, especially when homelessness has reached an all-time high, with widespread housing instability and homelessness affecting marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, more acutely than other groups.
In a press release, Congresswoman Waters emphasized that HUD has a legal responsibility under the “Fair Housing Act of 1968” to enforce housing laws fairly and equitably. She stressed that the protections provided by the Equal Access Rule are more critical now than ever, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, who experience disproportionately high rates of homelessness. According to HUD’s most recent point-in-time count, 81% of homeless individuals identifying as gender-questioning are unsheltered. Waters highlighted the devastating impact this policy reversal could have on Black transgender people and LGBTQ+ youth, who already face extreme housing instability at higher rates than other groups.
Despite Secretary Turner’s decision, Congresswoman Waters urged people to remain informed about their rights under the Fair Housing Act, noting that protections still exist at the federal level with additional safeguards in many state and local jurisdictions. Waters concluded by emphasizing that housing is a basic human necessity and pledged to continue working with LGBTQ advocates to ensure that no one is denied access to shelter.
Read Congresswoman Waters’ statement here.