(A) The rights granted by §§ 26-33 and 26-37 may be enforced by civil actions in state or local courts of general jurisdiction. Any civil action shall be commenced within 180 days after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred. However, the court shall continue the civil case brought to this section or § 26-44(D), from time to time, before bringing it to trial or renting dwellings.
(B) Any person because he or she is or has been, or in order to intimidate the person or any other person or any class of persons from participating, without discrimination on account of race, color, religion or national origin, in any of the activities, services, organizations or facilities described in this article; or affording another person or class of persons opportunity of protection so to participate shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(C) Any citizen, because he or she is or has been, or in order to discourage the citizen or any other citizen from lawfully aiding or encouraging other persons to participate, without discrimination on account of race, color, religion or national origin, in any of the activities, services, organizations or facilities described in this article, or participating lawfully in speech or peaceful assembly opposing any denial of the opportunity to so participate shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(1977 Code, § 9.2-32) (Ord. 91-14, passed 7-8-1991)