(WHTM)– A Pennsylvania lawmaker is proposing legislation that would prevent “white nationalist housing developments” in the state.
The legislation, circulated by State Rep. Ben Waxman (D-182), is inspired by the Return to the Land organization in Arkansas. According to the memo, the group, Return to the Land, attempted to build a housing development in Arkansas for people with “traditional views and European ancestry.
The memo said this is a violation of fair housing laws.
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State Rep. Waxman’s legislation aims to prevent a housing development like the one in Arkansas from being built in the Commonwealth.
The bill aims to clarify that, under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, bona fide private or fraternal organizations are exempt from including organizations based on race, color, national origin, or ancestry for the purpose of denying housing.
Return to the Land’s housing development is in Arkansas, but the group’s website hints at plans for expansion into two regions that cover parts of Pennsylvania. Waxman said the bill would help prevent the organization from exploiting legal loopholes.
The bill has not yet been submitted for introduction.
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