Secretary Scott Turner has directed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to cease enforcement actions concerning the 2016 rule, "Equal Access in Accordance With an Individual’s Gender Identity in Community Planning and Development Programs." This directive affects housing programs, shelters, and other HUD-funded providers by ensuring services are based on individuals' sex at birth.
"I am directing HUD staff to halt any pending or future enforcement actions related to HUD’s 2016 Equal Access Rule, which, in essence, tied housing programs, shelters and other facilities funded by HUD to far-left gender ideology," stated Secretary Turner.
He emphasized that this move aligns with President Trump's executive order aimed at reinstating what he described as "biological truth" within federal governance. According to Turner, this entails acknowledging only two sexes: male and female.
"We, at this agency, are carrying out the mission laid out by President Trump on January 20th when he signed an executive order to restore biological truth to the federal government. This means recognizing there are only two sexes: male and female. It means getting government out of the way of what the Lord established from the beginning when he created man in His own image."
Turner further stated that this is merely a starting point for how HUD plans to serve Americans effectively while managing taxpayer funds responsibly. He expressed commitment to reviewing HUD's programs to ensure alignment with its mission of providing affordable homes and fostering economic growth across diverse communities.
"As I have said before, we are going to take inventory of HUD’s programs and ensure every dollar that goes out the door is advancing HUD’s mission, which is to provide quality, affordable homes for communities across the country – urban, rural and tribal –and promote economic investment to build stronger communities and a brighter future for all Americans."
The Equal Access Rule was initially introduced by HUD in 2012 prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status.
