Michigan Woman Faces Civil Rights Complaint for Seeking a Christian Roommate



Fair Housing Center of West Michigan. Photo from Foxnews.com

 When I was driving down Park Ave. this week, I was shocked to hear this topic on the radio: a woman from Grand Rapids, MI has a civil rights case targeted at her for putting up an ad seeking a Christian roommate.

The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan filed the complaint, becauseThe Fair Housing Act "prevents people from publishing an advertisement stating their preference of religion, race or handicap with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling."

 All the ad said was "Christian roommate wanted," with the lady's housing information, and it is considered "illegal" because she used "Christian."

I find this case to be rather ridiculous. I've seen Christian roommate ads placed in several places around campus, and do not find it offensive. If someone wants to live with someone who has the same values, then they have the right to search for other Christians-- or Hindus, or Buddhists, or whatever other religion it may be. The attorney on the case argues that this is a violation of the First Amendment, and I would have to agree with him. We are in America, and are entitled to freedom of speech and press.