(a)      It is the policy of the State of Maryland to provide for fair housing throughout the State of Maryland, to all its citizens, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability; and to that end to prohibit discriminatory practices with respect to residential housing by any person or group of persons, in order that the peace, health, safety, prosperity and general welfare of all the inhabitants of the State may be protected and insured.

      (b)      This law shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the State of Maryland for the protection of the people of the State, and shall be administered and enforced by the State of Maryland Commission on Human Relations and, as provided in this subtitle, be enforced by the appropriate State court.