What does “loan discrimination” in mortgage lending entail?

Loan discrimination in mortgage lending refers to the unequal treatment of applicants based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. This kind of discrimination is prohibited under laws such as the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. It aims to ensure that individuals are evaluated for mortgage loans based on their creditworthiness and financial situation rather than personal attributes or demographics.

The other options provided focus on credit scores, loan amounts, and interest rates, which do not necessarily relate to discrimination based on protected characteristics. While lending practices might be influenced by credit scores or marital status, these factors alone do not constitute discrimination as defined by law. The defining aspect of loan discrimination is the unfair treatment of applicants based on their inherent qualities rather than their financial qualifications.