Discrimination for refusing to rent to families with children

It is illegal in Massachusetts to refuse to rent to someone because he or she has children or because you don't want to eliminate lead hazards for children.  This week, the Office of the Attorney General settled discrimination clams against a Lynn real estate company and other entities alleging that they violated state anti-discrimination and lead paint laws by refusing to show or rent an apartment to a pregnant woman.  The Attorney General also settled similar claims against a Chelmsford real estate company alleging that it discriminated against a prospective tenant with children.  Both complaints originated with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, which issued findings of probable cause in each case and then referred the matters to the Attorney General.