Enforcement
Equal Accommodations
Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in businesses and locations that are considered places of “public accommodation.”
Delaware’s Equal Accommodations law prevents discrimination against people because of their race, age, marital status, creed, religion, color, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Places of “public accommodation” can include state agencies, local government agencies, and state-funded agencies performing public functions, and can include government buildings, courthouses and jails, transportation systems like busses and trains, or recreational areas like libraries, beaches and parks.
Places of “public accommodation” can include privately owned or operated businesses and buildings that offer goods and services to the public, like stores and shops, restaurants, hospitals, gas stations, hotels, motels, or sports and entertainment venues.
If you believe you have been denied, refused or withheld the services, facilities, privileges or advantages of a place of public accommodations because of your race, age, marital status, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability, you can file a complaint by completing an Equal Accommodations Discrimination Questionnaire. You have 180 days from the date of the alleged incident to file a complaint with our office.
Fair Housing
Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in the sale, lease or rental of housing and any aspect of a credit application. The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family homes sold or rented without the use of a real estate broker, and housing that is operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
Delaware’s Fair Housing laws prevent discrimination against Protected Classes.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint by completing a Housing Discrimination Questionnaire. You have one (1) year from the date you believe you were discriminated against to file a complaint.
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