[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise before you 
today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act by 
designating the month of April as Fair Housing Month in Flint, 
Michigan.
  Michigan, and the City of Flint in particular, has a long history of 
promoting fair housing. In February, 1968, the citizens of Flint voted 
to adopt the first open-housing ordinance in the country. As a member 
of the Michigan State Legislature, I introduced the very first Open 
Housing Act which outlawed housing discrimination in Michigan. In my 
many years of public service, I have continued the fight for fair and 
equitable housing because I believe our country must grant every person 
an equal chance to succeed in America.
  The Fair Housing Act of 1968 celebrates its anniversary this year 
with the distinction of being one of the most successful civil rights 
laws in history. Thanks to the cooperation and support of hundreds of 
state and local governments, more and more Americans are enjoying the 
simple freedom of choosing where to live.
  The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968, shortly after Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr's assassination. The Act bars housing discrimination on 
account of race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status and 
national origin. The Act covers the sale, rental financing and 
advertising of almost all housing in the nation.
  Mr. Speaker, although we have made significant strides in combating 
housing discrimination, we still have a long way to go. It is illegal, 
immoral and intolerable and it has no place in our present or future. 
During this month of observance of the 30th anniversary of the Fair 
Housing Act, let us work together to preserve the principles of this 
important legislation by eliminating discrimination and ensuring that 
all Americans are afforded the opportunity to live with dignity and 
pride.

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