I had missed that very thoughtful OpEd from Inman. Interesting that she believes I should experience ‘professional consequences’ for being a woman of faith and a conservative. I reckon I’ll just be over here praying for her while I carry on.
I read and reread the OpEd in Inman by Rachael Hite. I found the OpEd disgusting, discriminatory, and filled with hate speech. Much of Rachael's comments were not factual. Undoubtedly, Rachael strongly disdains Pastor Brandon Huber, Christians, and conservatives.
I, too, am praying for Rachael; I really am. The scales on her eyes are apparently quite thick, so much so she cannot see the truth. I pray those thick scales on her eyes will fall off, and she has a spiritual awakening. Of course, God has given each of us the power of free will. I pray she decides to seek the Truth.
1,000,000,000% agree with this post. You had me at the start, but especially with your honest comment: "If NAR wants to classify the Bible as harassing speech or hate speech, it should do so explicitly. The Christian members of NAR deserve to know where their trade organization stands. After that, NAR probably should articulate its opinions on the Quran and the Hadith as well."
Since I am one of the latest victims to be brought before the NAR/Virginia Association of REALTORS in an Ethics Hearing on Dec. 4, 2024, I have much to say about 10-5. Simply put, 10-5 needs to be repealed!
Wouldn't it be wonderful if NAR was forced to disclose how many Muslims, Mormons, and other religions (other than Christianity) they have forced into NAR Ethics Hearings (and found "guilty") regarding "Hate Speech" accusations? Sadly, Christians seem to be a "soft target," and I intend to continue to pursue this on a national level.
This is all very true and we Christians sometimes take the "turn the other cheek" example to the extreme. Keep in mind, Jesus used a bullwhip in the tabernacle courtyard to evict the money changers. We are praying for you!
OK, you are too valuable so I had to subscribe. I completely agree with your ongoing commentary about article 10-5 and strongly feel it is being used against conservative Christians for speech which is, other than with NAR, protected speech. I have been highly active in the industry, but think we made an unplanned sharp turn in the road.
I have met Leigh Brown in person several times - anything she does comes from her heart. That someone would criticize her for actually taking her own time and helping others, in the name of NAR no less, is absolutely deplorable. REPEAL 10-5.
Literally two minutes after I hit publish, I received this email from Bettie Plecker of GAAR:
The Virginia Association of REALTORS (VAR) handles Professional Standards matters for the Greater Augusta Association of REALTORS (GAAR) and has primary responsibility for administration of enforcement procedures concerning the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). Consequently, GAAR does not receive and resolve complaints against a REALTOR.
Furthermore, pursuant to Statement 19 (Confidentiality of determinations rendered in ethics and arbitration hearings) of the Statements of Professional Standards Policy, “(t)he allegations, findings, and decisions rendered in ethics and arbitration hearings are confidential and should not be reported or published by the Board, any member of a tribunal, or any party under any circumstances except those established in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of the (NAR) as from time to time amended.”
GAAR will issue no further comment on this matter.
Maybe NAR should spend more time enforcing their actual rules--like making sure brokers don't lie to people--rather than going after a Bible verse as hate speech.
Susan Barnette, as you may have heard, I am standing up and speaking out loudly for OUR Christian rights and people of all faiths. For far too long, Christian Realtors have been timid and fearful (rightly so) of the NAR. We know that is because the NAR leadership has given themselves the power to facilitate, persecute, and "prosecute" its membership through the intentionally poorly written so-called "Hate Speech" Code of Ethics, commonly referred to as 10-5. My Ethics Hearing is on Dec. 4, 2024, and I am confident it will be "interesting." The complainants, in my case, feel I am "guilty" of "Hate Speech" because I quote Bible verses on my personal Facebook pages. I know I have done nothing wrong. I am not guilty of "Hate Speech." For almost seven months, this Ethics Complaint has practically consumed my life. It is wrong that two people who disagree with me politically as well as my Christian faith (right of religious freedom of expression - EXCEPT through the NAR) can do this to anyone. 10-5 MUST be repealed. Many may think, "He is not supposed to be saying anything about his case." My three attorneys have authorized and fully endorsed what I have shared. More REALTORS need to speak up, and stand up against 10-5!
NAR is destroying itself, best we could do is sit back and watch it flounder. There is a bit of irony in the fact, while the leadership was so proud of itself creating rules to police the free thoughts of its members, it was providing - through its not-for profit status - luxury get aways, trip and country club memberships to its leadership, paying off employees for sexual harassment scandals and covering up for its own misdeeds. But sure, protect us from a member quoting the Bible.
I've never witnessed an organization trying to destroy themselves as much as NAR is doing.
You'd think with damage NAR caused to our industry (not to mention they cost brokerages over $600 MILLION in fines) they'd be eliminating any rules that would cause members to want to immediately abandon ship.
NAR: We're not worried, Steve, because if our members want MLS access they'll have to put up with our biased bullshit. [fiction]
Lol...yeah, NAR? Well, the Phoenix train has just arrived and there are a shit ton of trains right behind them.
The 'hate speech' by Brandon and Brown is just ridiculous - it wasn't hate speech.
All it will take is one Snowflake...er, I mean....Realtor to be offended by a previous conversation ANYWHERE on social media by another Realtor that 1) is not remotely close to hate speech and/or 2) is a personal conversation that has absolutely nothing to do with real estate...to have their life in turmoil while the state investigates.
What a stupid process.... all based on the disguise of 'freedom of speech'...and it's not limited to Christians.
I agree with this quote I read recently in another blog: "The DOJ may very well grab NAR by the pussy and force some common sense down their throats instead of the Kool-Aid they are currently drinking."
Steven H, I agree; NAR is seemingly trying to destroy itself. I have been in the real estate business for 44 years and have been a Realtor my entire career. I am the one who is the current topic of discussion. Notorious ROB did a fantastic job interviewing me and one of my three attorneys, Micahel Sylvester of the Founding Freedoms Law Center. My Ethics Hearing is on Dec. 4. 2024.
Regarding the NAR, I have witnessed some great things the NAR has done, as well as some despicable, irresponsible actions, decisions, and policies that are harmful to the NAR membership. I am appalled by the deplorable outcome of the commission lawsuit. NAR and its apparent inept legal counsel threw us under the bus; NAR most certainly did not defend us! At one time, I was proud to be a REALTOR. Now, with all the lawsuits, "issues" in the highest level of NAR "leadership," and their UNETHICAL behavior, my opinion has changed. Now comes the revelation about ridiculous spending by and for NAR "leadership" and its "volunteers." I am embarrassed by the NAR and REALTOR membership I was once proud of. I am forced to be a REALTOR to have MLS access. I do not have a choice. I wish I did have an option because it causes me great distress that the NAR is recklessly spending money while claiming to be a nonprofit. It appears the DOJ will be busy. NAR is headed on a path of destruction.
Whoa, slow your roll, Rob! Your post disintegrates into some all-Christians-are-victims-but-Donnie-Elon-and-Vivek-will-put-it-right hysteria. (That's laughable, btw, and you know it.) There's nothing wrong with public civility, lack of harassment and enforcement of such. We expect better from you and we pay for it, too.
Why would we accept NAR being in our places of worship? Remember, most NAR members are compelled to join and are not choosing to be a REALTOR voluntarily. So the argument that NAR is a private orgnization that can set rules for its members, while true, becomes weak when membership is mandatory (for the majority of the country) just to be able to access the MLS. Do I think the speech code is stupid? Absolutely. Do I think a private organization can make this a requirement for membership? Yes. But only if being a REALTOR is a voluntary choice -- this is what must change.
John, well stated! NAR needs to focus on the real estate business and stay out of our personal lives, our proclamations of faith, and religions. The NAR also needs to stop pushing the LGBTQ lifestyles and the woke agenda upon us. For those who choose the LGBTQ lifestyle - go for it. That is your choice and right. But NAR, you do not have a right to require all REALTORS to be "of one mind." I dare to say you will not find any honest psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health professional who would not state it is impossible to have 1.5 million people be FORCED to adopt and adhere to any cultural issue, especially when the issue has spiritual and moral implications.
While I respect everyone’s right to share their beliefs, I feel it’s important to consider the impact of how religious texts (bible verses) are used in public discourse, especially when they target marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community. Sharing Bible verses to express negative opinions about LGBTQ+ people goes beyond personal belief—it reinforces harmful stereotypes and contributes to a culture of stigma and exclusion. Freedom of speech is vital, but so is recognizing the harm that can come from using religion to justify hostility or discrimination. The intent might not always be hateful, but the effect on those targeted is often dehumanizing and alienating. I believe we have a responsibility to engage in discussions that promote understanding and unity rather than division or harm. With that said, if the post was made prior to rules being enacted then it should not be investigated. It is in my personal opinion that NAR does more good than harm. I believe reform is needed, but they are not the bad guys..
You should be as free to say that Bible verses reinforces harmful stereotypes, as a Christian should be free to share them.
We do have a responsibility to engage in discussions, but that requires freedom of speech, not silencing. You should be able to fiercely criticize Wilson or any Christian or Muslim or anyone you'd like for that matter, without worrying about losing your livelihood. You should be able to voice your opinion that sharing Bible verses goes beyond personal belief.
Sorry, but NAR are the bad guys if they are the ones doing the silencing.
Rob, you are right, once again! NAR are the bad guys, and they are deliberately trying to silence people like me, who love God and share my faith ON MY PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA accounts. The NAR has purposely gone too far with 10-5. Repeal 10-5 now!
My POV: I think it’s important to recognize that when we share things on social media, we’re doing so in a public forum, not a private space- unless you mark your account private. Social media is designed to invite interaction, whether it’s agreement, discussion, or even disagreement. When you post something publicly, especially something as significant as a Bible verse, it naturally becomes open to interpretation, response, and dialogue from others who see it. This doesn’t mean people have the right to be disrespectful or attack you personally—that’s never okay. But it does mean that sharing on a public platform comes with the understanding that others may engage with your post in ways you don’t expect.
Your intention behind posting the verse might have been personal, but the platform itself transforms it into something public. I think of social media as billboard with your picture, name and contact information right next to it. I can understand your point of view that it was your social media page, but we as humans post to draw reactions.
I don’t believe anyone should be advised that they can’t be both a minister and a REALTOR. NOBODY should feel they are being targeted. If this post back in 2015/2016 is the only thing that is being reported- it sounds like 10-5 is being misused and this will hopefully be dismissed. I recognize I don’t know all the details. One being accused of something that is not true, is horrific. I have personally seen individuals lie to simply try to ruin someone’s career for reasons beyond my understanding.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, but I believe it’s important to look at this issue in the broader context of our profession and the standards we need to uphold as REALTORS®.
Right now, REALTORS® are under more scrutiny than ever, especially with the recent lawsuits and growing consumer distrust. It’s no secret that public perception of our profession has shifted over the years. When I started in real estate 20 years ago, it felt as if we had zero level of respect for what we do. i personally saw a shift in public perception because of NAR and our local board enforcement of standards of conduct. Unfortunately, many consumers today question whether REALTORS® are truly committed to professionalism and fairness.
I see NAR’s Code of Ethics—and specifically Standard of Practice 10-5—as an effort to address this and raise the bar for our industry. It’s about demonstrating to the public that REALTORS® are professionals who treat all people with respect and fairness, regardless of personal beliefs. By holding ourselves accountable to these ethical standards, we not only protect clients from potential harm but also work to rebuild the trust that has eroded over these lawsuits.
I think it also worth noting that many professions with similar responsibilities—like lawyers, doctors, and even teachers—have codes of ethics that regulate behavior beyond just the legal minimum. These standards ensure those professions maintain their credibility and public trust. I certainly wouldn’t want to see any of those professions abandon their codes of ethics in the name of free speech. I don’t want to walk in doctor’s office and/or see social media post from them on: Timothy 2:12
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.”The bible is full of fun verses that discriminate and can feel to the reader like hate. I don’t see a reason why our industry should be held to a lower standardUltimately, I don’t think NAR’s goal is to silence REALTORS®. Instead, I believe it’s about ensuring our actions, both online and offline, reflect the values of professionalism, respect, and fairness that consumers expect from us. In the end, this isn’t just about protecting clients—it’s about protecting and elevating our profession as a whole.
In my personal opinion, I just think this comes from many, not feeling that they don’t have a choice in their membership. If you joined the membership, you adopt the rules. It’s as simple as that. It all comes back to the MLS if the MLS wasn’t a part of the board what would membership look like? I personally would still be a member of NAR because as I mentioned above, I’ve seen the value it has brought to our profession. Sorry for long response but not an easy topic to cover quickly.
The NAR is purposefully allowing Realtors and anyone to use 10-5 as a weapon to destroy their competitors and those with whom they disagree with politically and matters of faith. Right now, 10-5 is allowing those accusing me of "Hate Speech" to attempt to end my 44-year unblemished career because I am a Christian minister. There are those in the NAR who are adamant I need to choose to either be a minister or a Realtor, but not both. Wrong! I can do both, and have done both exceedingly well for 44 years. I have served people from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ community, and I have always treated every one of my clients with dignity and respect. I do not discriminate, and I do not hate anyone. For the NAR to insinuate someone of faith must be biased is in itself showing bias.
I had missed that very thoughtful OpEd from Inman. Interesting that she believes I should experience ‘professional consequences’ for being a woman of faith and a conservative. I reckon I’ll just be over here praying for her while I carry on.
I know Leigh. She is one of the most selfless giving people who I have ever met.
I read and reread the OpEd in Inman by Rachael Hite. I found the OpEd disgusting, discriminatory, and filled with hate speech. Much of Rachael's comments were not factual. Undoubtedly, Rachael strongly disdains Pastor Brandon Huber, Christians, and conservatives.
I, too, am praying for Rachael; I really am. The scales on her eyes are apparently quite thick, so much so she cannot see the truth. I pray those thick scales on her eyes will fall off, and she has a spiritual awakening. Of course, God has given each of us the power of free will. I pray she decides to seek the Truth.
1,000,000,000% agree with this post. You had me at the start, but especially with your honest comment: "If NAR wants to classify the Bible as harassing speech or hate speech, it should do so explicitly. The Christian members of NAR deserve to know where their trade organization stands. After that, NAR probably should articulate its opinions on the Quran and the Hadith as well."
Since I am one of the latest victims to be brought before the NAR/Virginia Association of REALTORS in an Ethics Hearing on Dec. 4, 2024, I have much to say about 10-5. Simply put, 10-5 needs to be repealed!
Wouldn't it be wonderful if NAR was forced to disclose how many Muslims, Mormons, and other religions (other than Christianity) they have forced into NAR Ethics Hearings (and found "guilty") regarding "Hate Speech" accusations? Sadly, Christians seem to be a "soft target," and I intend to continue to pursue this on a national level.
This is all very true and we Christians sometimes take the "turn the other cheek" example to the extreme. Keep in mind, Jesus used a bullwhip in the tabernacle courtyard to evict the money changers. We are praying for you!
OK, you are too valuable so I had to subscribe. I completely agree with your ongoing commentary about article 10-5 and strongly feel it is being used against conservative Christians for speech which is, other than with NAR, protected speech. I have been highly active in the industry, but think we made an unplanned sharp turn in the road.
I have met Leigh Brown in person several times - anything she does comes from her heart. That someone would criticize her for actually taking her own time and helping others, in the name of NAR no less, is absolutely deplorable. REPEAL 10-5.
Literally two minutes after I hit publish, I received this email from Bettie Plecker of GAAR:
The Virginia Association of REALTORS (VAR) handles Professional Standards matters for the Greater Augusta Association of REALTORS (GAAR) and has primary responsibility for administration of enforcement procedures concerning the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). Consequently, GAAR does not receive and resolve complaints against a REALTOR.
Furthermore, pursuant to Statement 19 (Confidentiality of determinations rendered in ethics and arbitration hearings) of the Statements of Professional Standards Policy, “(t)he allegations, findings, and decisions rendered in ethics and arbitration hearings are confidential and should not be reported or published by the Board, any member of a tribunal, or any party under any circumstances except those established in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of the (NAR) as from time to time amended.”
GAAR will issue no further comment on this matter.
Of course...
Maybe NAR should spend more time enforcing their actual rules--like making sure brokers don't lie to people--rather than going after a Bible verse as hate speech.
AMEN! Well said. The leadership of NAR needs to take a close look at itself...
Preach, brother...
I agree with you. I think it is time Christians stand up for our religious rights.
Susan Barnette, as you may have heard, I am standing up and speaking out loudly for OUR Christian rights and people of all faiths. For far too long, Christian Realtors have been timid and fearful (rightly so) of the NAR. We know that is because the NAR leadership has given themselves the power to facilitate, persecute, and "prosecute" its membership through the intentionally poorly written so-called "Hate Speech" Code of Ethics, commonly referred to as 10-5. My Ethics Hearing is on Dec. 4, 2024, and I am confident it will be "interesting." The complainants, in my case, feel I am "guilty" of "Hate Speech" because I quote Bible verses on my personal Facebook pages. I know I have done nothing wrong. I am not guilty of "Hate Speech." For almost seven months, this Ethics Complaint has practically consumed my life. It is wrong that two people who disagree with me politically as well as my Christian faith (right of religious freedom of expression - EXCEPT through the NAR) can do this to anyone. 10-5 MUST be repealed. Many may think, "He is not supposed to be saying anything about his case." My three attorneys have authorized and fully endorsed what I have shared. More REALTORS need to speak up, and stand up against 10-5!
NAR is destroying itself, best we could do is sit back and watch it flounder. There is a bit of irony in the fact, while the leadership was so proud of itself creating rules to police the free thoughts of its members, it was providing - through its not-for profit status - luxury get aways, trip and country club memberships to its leadership, paying off employees for sexual harassment scandals and covering up for its own misdeeds. But sure, protect us from a member quoting the Bible.
I've never witnessed an organization trying to destroy themselves as much as NAR is doing.
You'd think with damage NAR caused to our industry (not to mention they cost brokerages over $600 MILLION in fines) they'd be eliminating any rules that would cause members to want to immediately abandon ship.
NAR: We're not worried, Steve, because if our members want MLS access they'll have to put up with our biased bullshit. [fiction]
Lol...yeah, NAR? Well, the Phoenix train has just arrived and there are a shit ton of trains right behind them.
The 'hate speech' by Brandon and Brown is just ridiculous - it wasn't hate speech.
All it will take is one Snowflake...er, I mean....Realtor to be offended by a previous conversation ANYWHERE on social media by another Realtor that 1) is not remotely close to hate speech and/or 2) is a personal conversation that has absolutely nothing to do with real estate...to have their life in turmoil while the state investigates.
What a stupid process.... all based on the disguise of 'freedom of speech'...and it's not limited to Christians.
I agree with this quote I read recently in another blog: "The DOJ may very well grab NAR by the pussy and force some common sense down their throats instead of the Kool-Aid they are currently drinking."
One could only hope.
Steven H, I agree; NAR is seemingly trying to destroy itself. I have been in the real estate business for 44 years and have been a Realtor my entire career. I am the one who is the current topic of discussion. Notorious ROB did a fantastic job interviewing me and one of my three attorneys, Micahel Sylvester of the Founding Freedoms Law Center. My Ethics Hearing is on Dec. 4. 2024.
Regarding the NAR, I have witnessed some great things the NAR has done, as well as some despicable, irresponsible actions, decisions, and policies that are harmful to the NAR membership. I am appalled by the deplorable outcome of the commission lawsuit. NAR and its apparent inept legal counsel threw us under the bus; NAR most certainly did not defend us! At one time, I was proud to be a REALTOR. Now, with all the lawsuits, "issues" in the highest level of NAR "leadership," and their UNETHICAL behavior, my opinion has changed. Now comes the revelation about ridiculous spending by and for NAR "leadership" and its "volunteers." I am embarrassed by the NAR and REALTOR membership I was once proud of. I am forced to be a REALTOR to have MLS access. I do not have a choice. I wish I did have an option because it causes me great distress that the NAR is recklessly spending money while claiming to be a nonprofit. It appears the DOJ will be busy. NAR is headed on a path of destruction.
Whoa, slow your roll, Rob! Your post disintegrates into some all-Christians-are-victims-but-Donnie-Elon-and-Vivek-will-put-it-right hysteria. (That's laughable, btw, and you know it.) There's nothing wrong with public civility, lack of harassment and enforcement of such. We expect better from you and we pay for it, too.
Why would we accept NAR being in our places of worship? Remember, most NAR members are compelled to join and are not choosing to be a REALTOR voluntarily. So the argument that NAR is a private orgnization that can set rules for its members, while true, becomes weak when membership is mandatory (for the majority of the country) just to be able to access the MLS. Do I think the speech code is stupid? Absolutely. Do I think a private organization can make this a requirement for membership? Yes. But only if being a REALTOR is a voluntary choice -- this is what must change.
John, well stated! NAR needs to focus on the real estate business and stay out of our personal lives, our proclamations of faith, and religions. The NAR also needs to stop pushing the LGBTQ lifestyles and the woke agenda upon us. For those who choose the LGBTQ lifestyle - go for it. That is your choice and right. But NAR, you do not have a right to require all REALTORS to be "of one mind." I dare to say you will not find any honest psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health professional who would not state it is impossible to have 1.5 million people be FORCED to adopt and adhere to any cultural issue, especially when the issue has spiritual and moral implications.
I agree 100% with what Rob wrote.
While I respect everyone’s right to share their beliefs, I feel it’s important to consider the impact of how religious texts (bible verses) are used in public discourse, especially when they target marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community. Sharing Bible verses to express negative opinions about LGBTQ+ people goes beyond personal belief—it reinforces harmful stereotypes and contributes to a culture of stigma and exclusion. Freedom of speech is vital, but so is recognizing the harm that can come from using religion to justify hostility or discrimination. The intent might not always be hateful, but the effect on those targeted is often dehumanizing and alienating. I believe we have a responsibility to engage in discussions that promote understanding and unity rather than division or harm. With that said, if the post was made prior to rules being enacted then it should not be investigated. It is in my personal opinion that NAR does more good than harm. I believe reform is needed, but they are not the bad guys..
You should be as free to say that Bible verses reinforces harmful stereotypes, as a Christian should be free to share them.
We do have a responsibility to engage in discussions, but that requires freedom of speech, not silencing. You should be able to fiercely criticize Wilson or any Christian or Muslim or anyone you'd like for that matter, without worrying about losing your livelihood. You should be able to voice your opinion that sharing Bible verses goes beyond personal belief.
Sorry, but NAR are the bad guys if they are the ones doing the silencing.
Rob, you are right, once again! NAR are the bad guys, and they are deliberately trying to silence people like me, who love God and share my faith ON MY PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA accounts. The NAR has purposely gone too far with 10-5. Repeal 10-5 now!
My POV: I think it’s important to recognize that when we share things on social media, we’re doing so in a public forum, not a private space- unless you mark your account private. Social media is designed to invite interaction, whether it’s agreement, discussion, or even disagreement. When you post something publicly, especially something as significant as a Bible verse, it naturally becomes open to interpretation, response, and dialogue from others who see it. This doesn’t mean people have the right to be disrespectful or attack you personally—that’s never okay. But it does mean that sharing on a public platform comes with the understanding that others may engage with your post in ways you don’t expect.
Your intention behind posting the verse might have been personal, but the platform itself transforms it into something public. I think of social media as billboard with your picture, name and contact information right next to it. I can understand your point of view that it was your social media page, but we as humans post to draw reactions.
I don’t believe anyone should be advised that they can’t be both a minister and a REALTOR. NOBODY should feel they are being targeted. If this post back in 2015/2016 is the only thing that is being reported- it sounds like 10-5 is being misused and this will hopefully be dismissed. I recognize I don’t know all the details. One being accused of something that is not true, is horrific. I have personally seen individuals lie to simply try to ruin someone’s career for reasons beyond my understanding.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, but I believe it’s important to look at this issue in the broader context of our profession and the standards we need to uphold as REALTORS®.
Right now, REALTORS® are under more scrutiny than ever, especially with the recent lawsuits and growing consumer distrust. It’s no secret that public perception of our profession has shifted over the years. When I started in real estate 20 years ago, it felt as if we had zero level of respect for what we do. i personally saw a shift in public perception because of NAR and our local board enforcement of standards of conduct. Unfortunately, many consumers today question whether REALTORS® are truly committed to professionalism and fairness.
I see NAR’s Code of Ethics—and specifically Standard of Practice 10-5—as an effort to address this and raise the bar for our industry. It’s about demonstrating to the public that REALTORS® are professionals who treat all people with respect and fairness, regardless of personal beliefs. By holding ourselves accountable to these ethical standards, we not only protect clients from potential harm but also work to rebuild the trust that has eroded over these lawsuits.
I think it also worth noting that many professions with similar responsibilities—like lawyers, doctors, and even teachers—have codes of ethics that regulate behavior beyond just the legal minimum. These standards ensure those professions maintain their credibility and public trust. I certainly wouldn’t want to see any of those professions abandon their codes of ethics in the name of free speech. I don’t want to walk in doctor’s office and/or see social media post from them on: Timothy 2:12
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.”The bible is full of fun verses that discriminate and can feel to the reader like hate. I don’t see a reason why our industry should be held to a lower standardUltimately, I don’t think NAR’s goal is to silence REALTORS®. Instead, I believe it’s about ensuring our actions, both online and offline, reflect the values of professionalism, respect, and fairness that consumers expect from us. In the end, this isn’t just about protecting clients—it’s about protecting and elevating our profession as a whole.
In my personal opinion, I just think this comes from many, not feeling that they don’t have a choice in their membership. If you joined the membership, you adopt the rules. It’s as simple as that. It all comes back to the MLS if the MLS wasn’t a part of the board what would membership look like? I personally would still be a member of NAR because as I mentioned above, I’ve seen the value it has brought to our profession. Sorry for long response but not an easy topic to cover quickly.
The NAR is purposefully allowing Realtors and anyone to use 10-5 as a weapon to destroy their competitors and those with whom they disagree with politically and matters of faith. Right now, 10-5 is allowing those accusing me of "Hate Speech" to attempt to end my 44-year unblemished career because I am a Christian minister. There are those in the NAR who are adamant I need to choose to either be a minister or a Realtor, but not both. Wrong! I can do both, and have done both exceedingly well for 44 years. I have served people from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ community, and I have always treated every one of my clients with dignity and respect. I do not discriminate, and I do not hate anyone. For the NAR to insinuate someone of faith must be biased is in itself showing bias.