(a) No bank, lending company, financial institution, retail installment seller, or person extending credit may discriminate or provide requirements which discriminate in the extending of credit or the making of loans solely on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, or marital status.

(b) Any person, firm, or corporation which willfully violates any provision of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.