The 1988 amendments to the federal fair housing act prohibit discrimination based on which of the following?

The 1988 amendments to the federal Fair Housing Act expanded the scope of the original law by adding protections against discrimination based on familial status and disability (referred to as "handicapped" in the original language). Familial status means that individuals cannot be discriminated against because they have children under the age of 18 living with them or are pregnant, ensuring that families with children have equal access to housing. Additionally, the amendments included provisions protecting individuals with disabilities, requiring reasonable accommodations to be made in order for those individuals to have access to housing.

The combination of these two forms of discrimination is significant in ensuring a more inclusive housing market, as it addresses the needs of families and individuals living with disabilities, which were not previously emphasized in the original Fair Housing Act. This legislative change was instrumental in creating a more equitable real estate environment and reflecting a societal commitment to inclusivity.

The other options mention characteristics that are not included in the 1988 amendments, such as age, which does not fall under the protections established by this legislation.