Is it legal for a church in Texas to rent apartments only to members of its denomination?

The correct answer addresses the specific nuances of fair housing laws in relation to religious organizations. In Texas, as well as federally, certain exemptions exist that allow religious organizations to rent or lease housing on a preferential basis to their own members, provided that they do not engage in discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. This means that a church can prioritize renting apartments to its members as long as these criteria are met, adhering to the legal standards established by the Fair Housing Act.

This option stands correct because it aligns with the permits and protections granted to religious organizations under specific circumstances that recognize their right to maintain the integrity of their community. However, it still upholds the fundamental prohibitions against discrimination based on protected classes such as race, ensuring that while a church could select its tenants based on membership, it cannot do so in a way that excludes individuals based on their race or ethnicity.

The other options misinterpret the legal landscape surrounding religious exemptions in housing: while one option suggests an outright ban on the practice disregarding the nuances, another incorrectly implies the requirement of a permit, which generally does not apply in this context. Additionally, stating that religious discrimination is always illegal overlooks the specific legal exemptions that protect religious organizations in certain situations.