OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A group of state Attorneys General has filed a lawsuit aiming to protect funding for certain housing programs.

Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown is among those challenging the stance of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“Washington is a state that stands up for the rights of its residents, including protecting them from discrimination in housing,” Brown said. “This is a blatantly unlawful attempt by HUD to force our state to walk away from making sure people have a fair shake at securing a place to live.”

HUD is accused of threatening to withhold funding from state and local housing agencies if they don’t update their discrimination policies.

In Washington, state law maintains fair housing protections for anyone, regardless of gender, race, military or financial status. Brown adds that $180,000 in funding from HUD goes towards investigating complaints of housing discrimination and staff training.

Those funds are now in jeopardy unless Washington violates its own state law and aligns its discrimination guidelines with the federal administration.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner defended his department policies, adding that he opposes additional protections for what he calls “politically favored groups.”

Attorneys General in California and Illinois are leading the lawsuit, with Washington joining 13 other states to form a coalition.