Chicago Lawyers’ Comm. for Civil Rights v. Craigslist, Inc., 7th Cir. Mar. 14, 2008
07-1101 Chicago Lawyers’ Comm. for Civil Rights v. Craigslist, Inc.
Before EASTERBROOK, Chief Judge, and WOOD and EVANS, Circuit Judges.
EASTERBROOK, Chief Judge. Section 804(a) of the Fair Housing Act forbids discrimination on account of race, religion, sex, or family status when selling or renting housing. 42 U.S.C. §3604(a). This prohibition is accompanied by a ban on ads that state a preference with respect to any of the protected classes. It is illegal
[t]o make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.
42 U.S.C. §3604(c). The Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, on behalf of its members, contends in this suit that craigslist, which provides an electronic meeting place for those who want to buy, sell, or rent housing (and many other goods and services), is violating this statute. … given §230(c)(1) [Plaintiff] cannot sue the messenger just because the message reveals a third party’s plan to engage in unlawful discrimination. AFFIRMED Chicago Lawyers’ Comm. for Civil Rights v. Craigslist, Inc.
