Which of the following is NOT considered a protected characteristic under the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act?

The Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act is designed to protect individuals from discrimination in housing-related activities based on specific characteristics. The Act explicitly recognizes several protected characteristics, including race, color, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, and national origin.

Income, while an important factor in housing affordability and access, is not categorized as a protected characteristic under this law. Therefore, it does not afford the same legal protections against discrimination as those recognized characteristics do. This means that while discrimination based on income may be considered unethical or potentially illegal under other statutes or regulations, it does not fall within the purview of the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act. In summary, income is the option that does not qualify as a protected characteristic under this Act, making it the correct choice.