HUD has issued a the final rule, that follows the proposed January 24, 2011 rule that had previously noted evidence suggesting that lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families were being arbitrarily excluded from housing opportunities in the private sector. This final rule puts into practice policy to ensure that all individuals and families, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status have access to HUD’s core programs. This final rule is effective March 5, 2012.