Although the language of the Act is broad, it is also specific. In
section 3631, Congress describes both protected and prohibited activities. The government claims that the plain meaning of
section 3631 includes activities of an adoption agency attempting to place minority children in a community. We agree that the director of an adoption agency is indeed potentially covered under the plain meaning of subsection (c), as “any citizen ... lawfully aiding or encouraging other persons to participate, without discrimination ... in any of the activities ... described in subsection (a).”
42 U.S.C. § 3631(c). The critical issue in our minds, however, is whether the placement of minority children by an adoption agency is a protected activity under subsection (a), as those activities are incorporated into subsection (c). The activities listed in subsection (a) include the “selling, purchasing, renting, financing, occupying, or contracting or negotiating for the sale, purchase, rental, financing, or occupation of any dwelling.”
42 U.S.C. § 3631(a).