R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-37 § 34-37-2.2
Right to equal housing opportunities — Sexual orientation
Operative Text
Whenever in this chapter there shall appear the word "sex" there shall be inserted immediately thereafter the words "sexual orientation".
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-2.2 expands the state's fair housing protections by directing that wherever the word 'sex' appears in Chapter 34-37, it is read as also including 'sexual orientation.' In practical effect, this means that the same housing-opportunity protections that apply on the basis of sex also apply on the basis of sexual orientation. The provision integrates sexual orientation into the existing statutory framework without creating a separate, standalone rule.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-37-2.2, property owners and managers operating in Rhode Island are generally expected to apply their tenant-screening, rental, and housing-service practices in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, just as they would for sex. Compliant operators typically review their advertising, application processes, and lease terms to ensure that sexual orientation is treated as a protected characteristic throughout Chapter 34-37. Policies or practices that would be impermissible if based on sex are equally impermissible if based on sexual orientation under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rhode Island's § 34-37-2.2 means that tenants and housing applicants have the same fair housing rights with respect to sexual orientation as they do with respect to sex under Chapter 34-37. If a tenant believes they have been denied housing, subjected to different terms, or otherwise treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation, that experience may constitute a violation of the same provisions that prohibit sex discrimination. General enforcement paths available under Chapter 34-37 — such as filing a complaint with a relevant state agency or consulting a tenant-rights organization — are available for sexual-orientation claims as well.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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