PORTLAND — An Oregon class-action lawsuit that alleges Airbnb allows discrimination against black users can move forward, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.
The lawsuit contends the vacation rental website, which connects homeowners with travelers looking to rent a room, allows the homeowners to discriminate by requiring would-be guests to register with their full name and a photograph, although the company softened that policy earlier this month.
Attorneys representing three African-American women argue the policy violates the Oregon Public Accommodations Act. The decades-old law prohibits restaurants, hotels and other businesses from turning people away based on characteristics including race.
Airbnb moved to dismiss the case, saying the women haven’t proven discrimination. It also argued the rooms for rent aren’t public accommodations under the law because they’re in private homes.
