From the start of the new
year new laws will go into effect that forbids discrimination
in the housing sector. The prohibition applies to discrimination on
the basis of creed, colour and language abilities. It also applies
to discrimination in relation to national or ethnic origin,
homosexual disposition, way of life or orientation.
- People belonging to minority
groups experience discrimination when they wish to rent a place to
live. We want to put an end this problem, says the Minister of
Local Government and Regional Development Ms. Erna Solberg. –The
reason why the Government wants an explicit prohibition in the
Housing Act is to emphasise that discrimination will not be
tolerated. In a multicultural society we must respect that we are
all different. Differences should not affect us when we choose whom
we let or sell our housing to.
- We may have a different faith, or
we may have a different skin colour or ethnic background that for
some people feel a bit unfamiliar. But this should not prevent us
from living where we want to live, says the Minister.
The home is supposed to be a secure
frame around our existence, and everybody has the right to reside
safe and well. Discrimination contributes to the difficulties many
immigrants have when it comes to getting into the housing market.
If proven that somebody has been discriminated against, the one
responsible for the discrimination will have to pay a
compensation.
This initiative is a part of the
Government’s National Plan of Action to Combat Racism and
Discrimination that was presented in July 2002. The Government
gives high priority to combating discrimination, and will present a
bill to Parliament (the Storting) on an act against ethnic
discrimination in 2004. This act will include a prohibition against
ethnic discrimination, and discrimination on the basis of religion
or beliefs. The law will apply to all aspects of society, and will;
therefore, go further than just the statutory provisions in the
housing acts.
The Ministry of Local Government
and Regional Development will also implement an advertising
campaign to fight discrimination in the housing market.
