National Association of Realtors Revises Hate Speech Rule After Pastor's Bible Verse Case
The revised rule clarifies that the organization can only regulate speech in a Realtor's professional capacity — not when they are off the clock. This modification addresses concerns that the original 2020 hate speech provision was too broad in scope and infringed on members' constitutional rights.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) voted Thursday to significantly modify its controversial "hate speech" rule after facing mounting pressure over the case of a Christian minister who was punished for sharing Bible verses on social media. The amendment represents a major shift in how the organization regulates member conduct outside of professional settings.
The Wilson Fauber Case
The rule change stems from the high-profile case of Wilson Fauber, a 70-year-old Virginia realtor and ordained Christian minister with over four decades in the real estate industry. Fauber was found in violation of NAR's Code of Ethics after sharing biblical messages on his personal Facebook page, specifically related to a 2015 post that referenced Leviticus 18:22.
The complaint was filed by two Staunton realtors, including an openly gay man, who accused Fauber of "hate speech" for his religious expression on social media.
Legal Battles and Appeals
Despite multiple appeals, the hate speech conviction was upheld in February 2025. The case sparked broader concerns about religious freedom and free speech rights within the real estate industry, leading to legal challenges against the organization.
New Clarifications on Professional Conduct
The revised rule clarifies that the organization can only regulate speech in a Realtor's professional capacity — not when they are off the clock. This modification addresses concerns that the original 2020 hate speech provision was too broad in scope and infringed on members' constitutional rights.
Victory for Religious Freedom
"This is a massive victory for free speech and religious freedom not just for me, but for all 1.5 million members of the National Association of Realtors," Fauber said following the vote.
Broader Implications
The case has attracted attention from religious liberty advocates and legal organizations who argued that the original rule created a chilling effect on religious expression among real estate professionals. The amendment is expected to provide clearer boundaries between professional conduct standards and personal expression rights.
The rule change affects approximately 1.5 million NAR members nationwide and comes amid ongoing legal challenges to the organization's ethics enforcement policies.