What does the term "discrimination" refer to in housing according to Minnesota law?

In the context of housing under Minnesota law, "discrimination" specifically refers to unlawful differentiation between individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, or sexual orientation. This legal framework is designed to ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities without being unfairly treated on the basis of these characteristics.

This definition emphasizes that discrimination is not merely about favoring or disfavoring tenants but involves an explicit legal violation that prohibits certain behaviors. It also does not concern competition among landlords or market conditions, which are separate economic concepts. Therefore, the correct understanding of discrimination in housing law in Minnesota is focused on the prevention of inequitable treatment based on these specified protected categories, aligning with both state and federal fair housing laws.