As the owner of our small, independent realty company, I face the pressure to comply with the myriad state, federal and local laws on a daily basis. We all have the same responsibility to follow the law and treat our clients with integrity and compassion.
However, when we began our company, I ran into something that absolutely FLOORED me. As followers of Christ, we wanted everyone to know that our company was based on following Him and His teachings. We therefore named our company Cornerstone Realty and Rental.
Immediately, we faced opposition from other agencies in the area. One of the first things they attacked was our name. One prominent agent went so far as to say that having the name "Cornerstone" was a violation of Fair Housing laws, especially because the "T" in our logo was made to look like a cross.
I was completely shocked that anyone could say that, because the principles which Christ stands for are principles that we all should adhere to. However, after some research, I did find that Fair Housing does address the issue of a Christian-run company. Here's a link to a reprint of some guidelines concerning this issue for all other Christian-run organizations:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/sect804achtenberg.pdf
http://www.metrokc.gov/dias/ocre/RE100Q1.htm
This excerpt from the 2nd site linked above is especially beneficial:
Question 7. I am a member of a Christian real estate organization. Is it legal under fair housing laws to use Christian sounding names and Christian symbols in our advertising? Can we treat Christian customers differently?
You cannot treat Christian customers differently than non-Christian customers. If your company name implies a preference for Christians or if you use symbols such as a fish or cross, you should use the fair housing logo and a clear disclaimer that your company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, etc. You have the right to identify your own business with the graphics and language of your choice - as long as your actions do not discriminate or create a discriminatory climate based on someone's protected class status.
When developing your advertisements and services, consider: Would a non-Christian feel welcomed by your business? Would a non-Christian receive the same level of service from you as a Christian? You should be able to answer yes to both questions.
Fair housing issues arise when clients believe they have been denied equal service or access because of their religion (or any other protected class). Marketing strategies and signage that make non-Christians feel unwelcome could result a fair housing complaint.
In addition, the fair housing laws permit ads that contain descriptions of properties (condominium complex with chapel) or services (kosher meals available) that do not on their face state a preference for specific buyers. The use of secularized terms or symbols relating to religious holidays, such as Santa Claus, Easter Bunny or St. Valentine's Day images, or phrases such as Merry Christmas or Happy Easter also are permitted under fair housing laws.
Now, I don't think that any of us are going to treat Christians differently from non-Christians, BUT it is imperative to remember that we need to include the Fair Housing disclaimer and logo on everything we do so that we don't get a complaint.
To me, this seems to be going overboard and a violation of the free exercise clause of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution, but I am not the one making the rules, I am the one that has to live by them. What do you guys think, have you ever experienced this in your companies?
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