Sec. 05.21.01.11. Nondiscrimination; Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace

A. An applicant may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age, except with regard to age as permitted under the federal Housing for Older Persons Act, as amended from time to time, or other similar federal laws, in any aspect of the Program, or in any aspect of employment by any applicant in connection with any project financed or assisted under the Program.

B. An applicant shall comply with all applicable federal, State, and local laws and Department policies and programs regarding discrimination and equal opportunity in employment, housing, credit practices, and drug and alcohol free workplaces, including:

(1) Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;

(2) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1968, as amended;

(3) The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, as amended;

(4) State Government Article, Title 20, Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended;

(5) The Department’s Minority Business Enterprise Program, as amended;

(6) The Governor’s Executive Order 01.01.1989.18, Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace, and any Department or State regulations adopted or to be adopted to carry out the requirements of that Order; and

(7) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.

C. The provider or grantee may not require the client to participate in religious activities as a condition of receiving services.

D. Family shelters shall serve all households regardless of the sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age of any members of the family.

E. Covenants implementing these requirements, including affirmative action measures, shall be included in appropriate agreements between the Department and other parties, and between the grantees and other parties.