NAR Changes “Hate Speech” Rule After FFLC Pressure
A major development took place yesterday as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) met in D.C. and voted to change its controversial “hate speech” rule adopted in 2020 (Standard of Practice 10-5) clarifying that the rule can only regulate a Realtor’s speech that is made in their professional capacity in furtherance of their real estate practice. It is no coincidence that this comes after our client, Wilson Fauber, and his case made national headlines after he was punished by the VA Assoc. of Realtors for simply sharing his Biblical views on gender and sexuality on his personal Facebook page. Fauber is a 45-year Realtor and ordained Christian minister. For more context, see our past alerts about his case:
- FFLC Defends Pastor on Charge of “Hate Speech”
- VA Realtor Found Guilty of “Hate Speech” for Posting Bible Verses
- Case Update: Pastor's "Hate Speech" Charge Upheld By Realtor Appeals Panel
According to Wilson Fauber, “This is a massive victory for free speech and religious freedom not just for me, but for all 1.5 million members of the National Association of Realtors. It’s clear that my imminent lawsuit against them and our work in state legislatures like Texas to push back played a pivotal role in bringing about this monumental change.”
According to Victoria Cobb, President of The Family Foundation and its legal division, Founding Freedoms Law Center who represents Fauber, “We’re glad to see NAR has moved swiftly to correct their disastrous “hate speech” policy that has had the effect of punishing even pastors like our client from speaking in their personal capacity. Now the Virginia Association of Realtors should take back its adverse ruling against Mr. Fauber and compensate him for the losses to his business and reputation.”
This is a major victory that we are thrilled to be a part of. We believe this new change could be a game-changer for our continued fight for Wilson, including a lawsuit we plan to file in the near future to vindicate his rights.