Final answer:
The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Age, marital status, and sexual orientation are not explicitly protected, but may be protected by some state or local laws. Political affiliation, veteran status, income level, and educational background are not protected under the Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on several protected characteristics:
- Race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability: This means that landlords, property owners, and real estate agents cannot deny housing or treat individuals differently based on these factors.
- Age, marital status, or sexual orientation: Although these factors are not explicitly protected under the Fair Housing Act, some states and local jurisdictions have their own laws prohibiting discrimination based on these characteristics.
- Political affiliation or veteran status: The Fair Housing Act does not specifically protect against discrimination based on political affiliation or veteran status.
- Income level or educational background: The Fair Housing Act does not consider income level or educational background as protected characteristics.