[Carson pushes increased private-sector role in HUD programs]Critics on the left have openly questioned whether Carson has the necessary qualifications for the job managing one of the federal government’s most complex departments. ), one of the most prominent liberal voices in the country, defended her decision to support Carson’s nomination in committee in a lengthy statement to her supporters published to Facebook. Carson was similarly vague when asked how he would direct HUD to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. LGBT Americans are disproportionately vulnerable to housing discrimination, but sexual orientation is not a protected category under federal housing discrimination laws. HUD does, however, include protections for LGBT people under the 2012 Equal Access Rule, which applies to housing providers who receive HUD funding.

Source: Washington Post March 02, 2017 15:32 UTC