A Virginia real estate agent was accused of “hate speech” in 2015 for posting a Bible verse on Facebook. The real estate agent, who is also a pastor, could be fined or have his license revoked, which would jeopardize his many years of livelihood. Real estate career time.
Wilson Forver is a 70-year-old real estate agent who has “loyally served the community as a real estate agent and broker for over 40 years.” According to Go to the National Freedom Law Center. Fauver is a member of the National Association of Realtors and has maintained this membership throughout his career.
“But what's surprising here is that Wilson posted it in 2015, five years before that rule existed.”
But Fauver's real estate career may be in jeopardy after he shared a Bible verse on Facebook in 2015.
Last year, two Stanton real estate agents, including an openly gay man, filed a complaint against Fauver with the Virginia Association of Realtors, according to reports. CBN. The suit accused Fauver of “hate speech.”
The alleged “hate speech” was a social media post that Fauver shared on his personal Facebook account in 2015. Fauver reportedly reposted a scripture by the Reverend Franklin Graham that said homosexual sex is a sin. Leviticus 18:22.
forver said“I am Leviticus 18:22 Even if you read a verse like , and you just close your Bible and don't comment, if someone – and I'm a real estate agent and a pastor – is offended by that. , if someone says I read that verse, even if they aren't in the ministry. , anyone, not necessarily a real estate agent, can file a complaint against that pastor-real estate agent and serve the same way. , that shouldn't happen. It's an invasion of my privacy.”
The complaint alleges that Fauver's posts violate National Association of Realtors rules. Practice Standards 10-5.
“Real estate agents may not use harassing language, hate speech, epithets, or slurs based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. ” states the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. .
However, the hate speech policy did not go into effect until November 13, 2020.
Fauver's attorney, Michael Sylvester of Founding Freedoms Law Center, told CBN, “In 2020, the National Association of Realtors declared “hate speech'' against certain protected classes, such as sexual discrimination. “The situation changed completely with the adoption of rules prohibiting speech that could be deemed offensive.” But what's surprising here is that Mr. Wilson's post was in 2015, long before that rule existed, and he was simply expressing his religious views on marriage. It should not be subject to hate speech charges. ”
Fauver continued, “Christians have no rights, which is completely wrong. The National Association of Realtors is America's largest trade association, and they set a precedent by adopting this policy. Posted by If I'm guilty, my religious beliefs about the memes and scriptures on my Facebook and social media accounts, and whether they qualify as “hate speech”…Christians who agree with my position There are millions of people, but we have no voice. ”
On Dec. 11, the Virginia Association of Realtors ruled that Fauver violated a code of ethics that prohibits real estate agents from using “certain religious expressions.”
Mr. Fauver plans to appeal the ruling.
If the conviction stands, Mr. Fauver could be fined between $5,000 and $15,000.
Worse, Mr. Fauver could lose his real estate agent's license, potentially ending his career in real estate.
To access the multiple listing service, an important tool for real estate agents, real estate agents must be members of the National Association of Realtors.
Sylvester described the Multiple Listing Service as “a database where real estate agents look up all kinds of information about homes for sale and list homes for sale.” He added that removing access to the MLS “would end the careers of many real estate agents.”
Fauber said, “If you don't have access to multiple listing services, you're out of business.”
Asked why he thinks these allegations are coming out so many years later, Fauver told CBN, “It's because the National Association of Realtors is waking up. The leadership of the National Association of Realtors is “We are very clear about our commitment to community support and recognition.” And just recently, actually just a few weeks ago, the National Association of Realtors funded a drag queen show in Charlottesville, Virginia. ”
Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee held “Inclusivity and Celebration: A Fair Housing Symposium with Drag Show and Fireside Chat” will be held on November 15th.
The LGBTQ event description says:
This event will focus on housing discrimination, particularly as it affects individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/quest (LGBTQ+). Attendees will gain insight into the Fair Housing Act, hear from local LGBTQ+ activists, and participate in educational segments about the LGBTQ+ community, including understanding pronouns, creating a safe environment, and the No Hate in Real Estate pledge and participate. In dialogue with the performers, they will share their own experiences with housing discrimination. This event creates an opportunity for real estate agents to actively listen, deepen their understanding of the LBGTQ+ community, and build relationships that positively impact both the industry and the communities we serve.
Last year, the National Association of Realtors announced Our partnership with the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance will “strengthen our ability to advocate for equitable policies and the continued development of LGBTQ+ leaders.”
The National Association of Realtors did not respond to requests for comment from Christian Broadcasting Network.
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