THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 788-7116
**For Immediate Release**
February 18, 2009
Release # 014-2009

Statements from Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Member Bill de Blasio
Re: Court Decision Upholding Lawful Source of Income Anti-Discrimination Law

Today’s ruling is a victory in the effort to protect an individual’s right to housing, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Families across our city are stretching every dollar.  Many have gone through the difficult process of receiving Section 8 vouchers or other government housing subsidies, only to find that the doors to a new home remain locked to them.  Today, the courts have spoken, and for many families, it’s not a moment too soon. 

We need to do more to combat discrimination, especially against those landlords who have flagrantly ignored this law since its passage.  The message today should be loud and clear: income discrimination when renting an apartment is unlawful and will not be allowed to continue.

Council Member Bill de Blasio said:

“Today’s decision validates that landlords cannot refuse tenants simply because they rely on government aid.  The law we passed was designed to ensure section 8 tenants were never unfairly forced out of their homes.  I am proud to see these crucial protections working in action and being upheld by our judicial system.”

Judith Goldiner, Supervising Attorney at the Legal Aid Society said:

“This important decision ensures that needy New Yorkers are able to use their Section 8 vouchers to pay their rent in their current apartments and avoid eviction and dislocation.  We are thrilled that the Supreme Court has upheld the City Council's authority to pass this important legislation ensuring that landlords in this City may not discriminate against tenants based on their lawful source of income.”