Whereas: The potential costs of dealing with frivolous discrimination lawsuits can be devastating for landlords, even when the landlord is successful in winning the lawsuit; and
Whereas: Bill 46-16 will place major legal risks on innocent landlords who don't want to discriminate against anyone, but who wish not to participate in burdensome administrative requirements of programs like Section 8; and
Whereas: One's source of income is a matter of free choice, unlike uncontrollable characteristics such as one's race, and therefore should not be considered a "protected category" under discrimination law; and
Whereas: It is absurd for government to make landlords pretend that all professions, investments, and other sources of income are equally reliable means to help tenants meet their lease obligations; and
Whereas: It is wrong for government to intimidate landlords to accept any form of payment and terms with which they are not comfortable, such as Section 8 vouchers and their terms.
Therefore: We landlords, prospective landlords, and property owners demand the withdrawal of Council Bill 46-16. Otherwise, we may be inclined to divest our hard work and savings from Baltimore County and invest it somewhere less likely to punish our efforts.