The headlines jumped out at us in 2010: “Head of Scandal-Ridden NC Highway Patrol Resigns” “Misconduct at NC State Bureau of Investigation Forensics Lab” “NC Examines ABC Boards’ Ethics Policies.” In this era of scandal, corruption and unethical behavior, it’s good to know that all Allen Tate agents are REALTORS®…meaning we pledge to a Code of Ethics that is among the most comprehensive of any industry.

Allen Tate agents support ethical conduct which obligates us to the obvious: respect for the public and respect for the properties we represent. But our Code extends beyond that. Respect, courtesy, and trust for our peers in the business is paramount to our success, our ability to cooperate fully with one another, and the positive image of the professional REALTOR®.

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is a living document which updates annually to adjust to new business models, consumer issues, technologies, and practices within our industry. Occasionally, it adds concepts that lead the way for broader adoption. This month, the Code was amended to add language barring discrimination against consumers or colleagues based on sexual orientation. This means that for the first time the REALTOR® Code of Ethics includes a protected class that is not already part of the Fair Housing Act. Will Congress take note?

Here is the amended language to the Code (additions are underlined):

REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or sexual orientation.

REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or sexual orientation.

REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or sexual orientation.

A related recommendation amending Standard of Practice 10-3 was approved as well:

REALTORS® shall not print, display or circulate any statement or advertisement with respect to selling or renting of a property that indicates any preference, limitations or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or sexual orientation.

By Tom Gongaware