Fighting Homophobic & Transphobic Real Estate PAC Endorsements
REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (Amended 1/23)
REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (Amended 1/23)
Rep. Stephanie Bice (OK-5): what she’s backed — and who it harms 1) Anti-LGBTQ / trans-targeting actions Backed a federal trans sports ban. Bice touted her vote for the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act,” saying it would ban “all males” from women’s school sports nationwide (i.e., exclude transgender girls and women). Representative…
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (OK): what he’s backed — and who it harms 1) Most consequential anti-LGBTQ / transphobic actions Led a Senate push to block trans inclusion under Title IX.Mullin co-led a GOP letter “rebuking” the Education Department’s Title IX rule for “allowing biological males in women’s sports,” urging schools not to recognize transgender girls’…
Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14): what he’s backed—and who it harms Most consequential actions & statements 1) Anti-LGBTQ / transphobic HB2 “bathroom bill” (2016) — Moore’s leadership & defianceAs North Carolina House Speaker, Moore backed HB2, which barred transgender people from using facilities aligned with their gender identity and preempted local LGBTQ nondiscrimination ordinances. When the…
Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10): What he’s backed—and who it harms 1) Anti-LGBTQ / anti-trans actions Voted for H.R. 1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill”) — a House package that bans Medicaid & CHIP coverage of gender-affirming care for people of all ages and lets ACA plans drop coverage for “gender transition procedures.” Harrigan’s office touts his…
Rep. Addison McDowell Policies that Harm North Carolinians Rep. Addison McDowell has built his short congressional career around pushing legislation that directly undermines LGBTQ rights, immigrant families, and diversity initiatives. His actions not only stigmatize vulnerable populations—they also weaken the economy and community fabric of North Carolina. Anti-LGBTQ / Homophobic Legislation “Do No Harm in…
For years, REALTORS® have been told half-truths and distractions about RPAC and the American Property Owners Alliance (APOA). We’re told donations are voluntary, decisions are local, and everything is bipartisan and transparent. The reality is far different: hidden fees, dark money, and endorsements of anti-diversity candidates directly undermine Article 10 of the REALTOR® Code of…
DISTRACTION: “National doesn’t control endorsements, the local committee does.” FACT: While local committees initiate endorsements, National RPAC holds veto power. If National objects, the endorsement is canceled and the result is neutrality. By refusing to negate endorsements of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-diversity candidates, NAR effectively approves them. One of the most common defenses REALTORS® hear is:…
DISTRACTION: “If your phone rings in class, or you’re late back from break, you have to donate $35 to the PAC to continue.” FACT: PAC donations must be voluntary. Forcing REALTORS® to “donate” as punishment violates federal law, RPAC’s own guidelines, and our Code of Ethics. Too many REALTORS® have stories of being “fined” during…
DISTRACTION: “We can’t endorse a pro-diversity candidate in a red state. We have to back the person we know will win.” FACT: The purpose of endorsements is not to pick winners — it’s to uphold REALTOR® values. For years, members have been told that in certain states, backing a pro-diversity candidate is a waste of…
Distraction: PAC donations are voluntary. You only give if you choose to. Fact: Renewal forms bury “optional” PAC donations as pre-checked defaults — and add mandatory advocacy or activism fees with little transparency. Members shouldn’t have to opt out of hidden charges or pay non-optional fees that underwrite politics against Article 10 of the Code…
Distraction: Members know where the PAC & APOA money goes — it’s transparent. Fact: Most REALTORS® have never even heard of the American Property Owners Alliance. Even local leaders who asked for details were stonewalled. Lack of transparency = disenfranchisement of members. The Transparency Myth NAR leaders often insist that political spending is open and…
Distraction: American Property Owners Alliance grants advance property rights. Fact: APOA grants have gone to groups fighting critical race theory, abortion rights, and LGBTQ+ protections — issues with no connection to property rights. This betrays the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and misuses our dues. The Sales Pitch REALTORS® are told the American Property Owners Alliance…
Distraction: American Property Owners Alliance is separate from NAR — it’s not RPAC. Fact: American Property Owners Alliance is funded 100% by NAR dues, run from NAR’s D.C. building, and led by NAR insiders. It funnels millions into conservative causes that attack DEI, reproductive rights, and equity — in direct violation of Article 10 of…
Distraction: NAR is bipartisan. RPAC splits donations 50/50 between Democrats and Republicans. Fact: Through the American Property Owners Alliance, NAR secretly funneled nearly $10 million to conservative groups pushing agendas against racial equity, abortion rights, and DEI — issues far outside housing. Member dues are being weaponized without transparency. The Bipartisan Story We’re Told For…
Distraction: NAR honors our diversity groups: LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, Asian Real Estate Association of America, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, Women’s Council of REALTORS®, and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Fact: Endorsing or funding candidates who are anti-immigrant, anti-DEI, anti-Asian, anti–body autonomy, or anti-LGBTQ directly violates our Code of Ethics.…
Distraction: If you donate over $5,000, you can decide who gets that donation — plus you get a free vacation to a tropical destination. Fact: PAC donations can’t be earmarked. In President’s Circle, you must first give RPAC $1,000, then donate directly to select candidates. If you want to back someone, donate directly — no…
Distraction: We’re pro-diversity — we even supported a Democrat in a city council race last year. Fact: Token endorsements don’t erase systemic blind spots. NAR’s state and national funding must meet the higher bar of Article 10 of the Code of Ethics — not just offer occasional gestures. Systemic racism, sexism, and gender bias must…
Distraction: The PAC is separate from the Association. Fact: If it were truly separate, why are we hit with PAC fundraising at every dues renewal, meeting, and email? Why does Association leadership attack us when we question RPAC? In practice, the PAC is treated as more important than the Code of Ethics itself. The Story…
Distraction: The PAC isn’t NAR. It doesn’t have to follow the Code of Ethics. Fact: REALTOR® PAC is inseparable from NAR. Its boards are made up of REALTORS®, meetings are held in REALTOR® offices, and associations constantly fundraise for it. The PAC is NAR — and its endorsements must reflect our Code of Ethics. The…
Distraction: We only back incumbents who support property issues — that’s the ‘Friendly Incumbent Rule.’ Fact: This “rule” is used inconsistently. When convenient, it justifies endorsing anti-diversity candidates. When ignored, it’s abandoned without explanation. It’s a gaslighting tactic to excuse funding harmful politicians. A Convenient “Rule” Ask why RPAC is endorsing a controversial candidate and…
Distraction: We follow the ‘Friendly Incumbent’ rule — if a candidate supported REALTOR® issues before, we endorse them again. Fact: This “policy” isn’t written anywhere — it’s just tradition. The real question: how EXTREME does a candidate have to be before RPAC stops endorsing? If they committed a crime, we wouldn’t blindly support them. So…
Distraction: LGBTQ rights, like marriage equality, are just social issues. We only focus on property rights. Fact: Marriage is a property rights issue. Spouses share legal rights to property owned before, acquired or sold during, and inherited after death. Attacking marriage equality is an attack on core property rights. The Convenient Excuse When REALTORS® raise…
Distraction: We donate equally to both Democrats and Republicans, so we’re not taking sides. Fact: While donations may appear evenly split, that’s not the point. Anti-diversity candidates are still funded and endorsed. The “party balance” line is a distraction — Article 10 must be enforced for every endorsement and donation. The Neutrality Claim Whenever REALTORS®…
Distraction: Join a committee and make change from the inside. Fact: In gerrymandered states, LGBTQ+ and pro-diversity voices are outvoted or locked out of PAC committees. Joining means being forced to fund candidates you oppose. We don’t have to fund and participate in our oppression to demand that Article 10 be enforced. The Comfortable Deflection…
Distraction: All decisions are made at the local level. If you want a voice, you have to join the local PAC committee — and that means donating to get a seat at the table. Fact: National RPAC sets binding rules on federal donations and PAC operations. Rules can be changed. Forcing REALTORS® to fund their…
Homophobic / Anti-LGBTQ Actions Opposed Hate Crime Protections (2009):Hudson voted against the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which extended federal protections to LGBTQ individuals. American Journal News+2Congressman Richard Hudson+2 Co‑Sponsored Marriage Amendment:In 2015, Hudson supported a constitutional amendment defining marriage strictly as a union between one man and one woman—rejecting…
Homophobic / Anti-LGBTQ Actions Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) Co-sponsored legislation ostensibly aimed at protecting children online, which critics argue could be deployed to censor LGBTQ content. In a widely shared video, Blackburn said the bill’s purpose was to “protect minor children from the transgender in this culture,” drawing strong condemnation from LGBTQ advocates.([turn0search0], [turn0news21],…
Homophobic / Anti-LGBTQ Record Voted against the 2009 Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which extended federal hate-crime protections to LGBTQ individuals. This vote indicates resistance to acknowledging and combating violence motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity.ProgressivePunch+11GLAAD+11Congress.gov+11 Anti-Immigrant Policy Actions Opposed a bipartisan border security bill in May 2024, which…
Homophobic / Anti-Trans Actions Calling for a Federal Investigation of Trans-Inclusive Policies (2025):Rep. Stefanik demanded a federal probe into an upstate New York school district for approving transgender students’ rights to use facilities and participate in sports corresponding to their gender identity. She argued this violated a Trump-era executive order and Title IX, calling the district’s…
Anti-Trans Statement & Behavior Misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride at a Congressional Hearing During a U.S. House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing in March 2025, Chairman Keith Self repeatedly misgendered Rep. Sarah McBride, referring to her as “Mr. McBride” and failing to address her with her correct gender identity. When challenged—specifically by Rep. Bill Keating—Self abruptly adjourned…
