(a) It is the policy of the State of Georgia to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the state.

(b) The general purposes of this article are:

(1) To provide for execution in the state of policies embodied in Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988;

(2) To safeguard all individuals from discrimination in any aspect relating to the sale, rental, or financing of dwellings or in the provision of brokerage services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling because of that individual's race, color, religion, sex, disability or handicap, familial status, or national origin;

(3) To promote the elimination of discrimination in any aspect relating to the sale, rental, or financing of dwellings or in the provision of brokerage services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling because of a person's race, color, religion, sex, disability or handicap, familial status, or national origin; and

(4) To promote the protection of each individual's interest in personal dignity and freedom from humiliation and the individual's freedom to take up residence wherever such individual chooses; to secure the state against domestic strife and unrest which would menace its democratic institutions; to preserve the public safety, health, and general welfare; and to further the interests, rights, and privileges of individuals within the state.

(c) This article shall be broadly construed to further the general purposes stated in this Code section and the special purposes of the particular provision involved.