Discrimination
The protected categories under the current discrimination laws are:

• Disability
  • Defined according to ADA (physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities).
• Race
• Color
• National Origin
• Family Status
• Source of Income
  • Includes Section 8 and welfare.
• Marital Status
  • Includes married and non-married.
• Sex [including Sexual Harassment]
  • Male or female.
• Gender
  • Includes transsexual (Cambridge only).
• Sexual Orientation
  • Heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, etc.
• Age
• Religion
• Military Status

The following statements may be indicators of unlawful discrimination (these are extreme examples):

• "This building is not wheelchair accessible."
• "Wouldn't you rather work in an area where there are more people like you?"
• "I'm sorry, but we have lead paint, so we cannot rent to families who have children under the age of six."
• "I do not accept Section 8 certificates."
• "Are you a married couple?"
• "If you want to come to my apartment for a visit, we may be able to forget about the security deposit you owe me."
• "I do not like the idea of two adults of the same sex sharing a one-bedroom apartment."
• "How old are you? You may have a hard time dealing with this job in a year or two."
• "What church do you attend?"
• "I would rather not rent to someone in the military because you might be transferred out ... I need stable tenants."

If you feel you have been the victim of discrimination in Cambridge, contact the Cambridge Human Rights Commission immediately.