Apartment hunters may notice a new post-inauguration trend while browsing Craigslist – the “no-Trump clause.”
In addition to policies on pets and alcohol, those renting out rooms have taken to posting warnings such as “no trump supporters allowed” following the reality star’s shocking election victory. And similar warnings have been found on Twitter, Reddit and in Facebook groups.
Jessica, 32 – who chose not to share her last name – told the New York Times that following the inauguration she feels like she is “going to a protest every single day.”
A new form of discrimination following the inauguration seems to be the “no-Trump clause.” Image via Paramount Pictures
That being said, it’s no surprise that Jessica would prefer not to rent out a room to anyone of the MAGA persuasion. “I can’t live with someone who supports a ‘leader’ with those types of ideals,” she says.
Another woman, Ms. Kian, admitted that her room listing’s anti-Trump warning began as a joke. Of course, it became serious for the American and Iranian citizen – who was raised Muslim – following President Trump’s executive order banning seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.
“Trump supporters, this is not the house for you,” Ms. Kian’s advertisement reads.
Now, discrimination of any kind, or vilification of any group is bad for society as a whole. But according to Sheila C. Salmon, a Washington lawyer who specializes in housing law, the “no-Trump clause” is technically legal.
That is because the Fair Housing Act – which prohibits discrimination on the basis of factors such as race, religion, national origin and disability – does not protect political views.
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For those living in Washington, D.C., there are a more expanded list of “protected traits,” which includes political affiliation.
However, it is unclear whether or not support of President Trump would technically fall into that category.
For now, the climate is certainly looking tough for conservative republicans – especially if they are vocal Trump supporters – when it comes to searching for apartments.
