State Ex Rel Sprague v. City Of Madison

555 N.W.2d 409 (WiS.Ct. App. 1996)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Hacklander-Ready leased a four-bedroom house and had the owner’s permission to allow others to live with her and share in the payment of the rent. In the fall of 1988, Rowe began living with Ready and paying the rent. In April 1989, they advertised for two housemates to replace two women who were moving out. They chose Sprague. They knew her sexual orientation when they extended their offer to her. Sprague accepted the offer and made rent deposit on May 4, 1989. The next day Ready informed Sprague that they were withdrawing the offer because they were not comfortable living with a person of her sexual orientation. Sprague filed a complaint with MEOC alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation, which was a violation of the Act. The acts relevant terms are listed in Singer 3^rd edition page 983. Sprague claims that the Act was intended to apply to housemate arrangements. The Commission ruled for Sprague as well as the court. Ready appealed.