(5) Establish, announce or follow a policy of denying or limiting, through a quota system or otherwise, employment or membership opportunities of any group because of the race or color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, the previous assertion of a claim or right under former Title 39 or Title 39-A or because of previous actions that are protected under Title 26, chapter 7, subchapter V-B 5-B, of that group; or

Sec. 10. 5 MRSA §4573, as amended by PL 1995, c. 393, §§15 to 20, is further amended by adding at the end a new paragraph to read:

The provisions of this subchapter relating to sexual orientation do not require or prohibit the provision of employee benefits to an individual for the benefit of that individual's domestic partner.

Sec. 11. 5 MRSA §4573-A, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 393, §21, is amended to read:

2. Religious defenses. This subchapter does not prohibit a religious corporation, association, educational institution or society from giving preference in employment to individuals an individual of its same religion to perform work connected with the carrying on by the corporation, association, educational institution or society of its activities. Under this subchapter, a religious organization may require that all applicants and employees conform to the religious tenets of that organization.

Sec. 12. 5 MRSA §4581, first ¶, as amended by PL 1991, c. 99, §12, is further amended to read:

The opportunity for an individual to secure decent housing in accordance with the individual's ability to pay, and without discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin or familial status is hereby recognized as and declared to be a civil right.

Sec. 13. 5 MRSA §4582, 2nd, 3rd and 4th ¶¶, as amended by PL 1991, c. 99, §14, are further amended to read: