Opinion ID: 2546274
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Violations of MHRA bar on discrimination in housing against protected classes

Text: The final exception to the damages cap is for civil actions alleging violations of the MHRA provisions barring discrimination in selling, leasing, renting or lending based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, ... disability, or familial status as it relates to fair housing. Our country has a long and unfortunate history of discrimination in housing. The legislature rationally could conclude that extra steps are necessary to eradicate such discrimination and to deter future misconduct when the victims fall into the traditionally suspect or vulnerable classes protected by the MHRA. State Farm and other cases recognize that additional punitive damages may comport with due process when conduct is directed at those who are particularly vulnerable and may have difficulty protecting themselves and whose individual damages may be small. 538 U.S. at 419-22, 123 S.Ct. 1513. The legislature had a rational basis for exempting housing discrimination claims brought under the MMPA. [8]