VA Realtor Found Guilty of “Hate Speech” for Posting Bible Verses

Our client, Wilson Fauber, a Realtor and ordained Christian minister, was just found by a Virginia Realtor ethics panel to have violated the organization’s Code of Ethics based on Biblical messages he shared on his personal Facebook page. Some of his statements were even posted long before the National Association of Realtors (NAR) adopted its new rule against so-called “hate speech.” You can read more about Wilson’s story HERE.

While the Realtor ethics panel’s ruling is bad news for Wilson, the larger implications of this ruling are staggering. If a Christian minister can’t even speak in his personal capacity about a matter of Biblical morality (like marriage and sexuality) without being penalized for “hate speech,” then none of the 1.5 million Realtors in the U.S. is safe. And for Christians in particular who want to join, the message is clear: Christians who want to live out their faith instead of “hiding in under a bushel” (Matthew 5:15) need not apply. We believe that’s wrong and must be challenged.

We are currently appealing Wilson’s case to the next and final level within the Realtor organization, and we are considering all our legal options beyond that.

Realtor’s actions here are even more problematic in light of the fact that the association has an effective monopoly over most real estate transactions, since in most places real estate agents are required to be a member of Realtor to access the online multiple listing service (MLS), which is essential for real estate professionals.

Please consider donating to help us fight for Wilson and countless others like him who simply seek to live out their faith without fear of punishment.