It is the policy of Pierce County, through fair, orderly and lawful procedures, to promote the opportunity for each person to obtain decent, safe and affordable housing without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, or the presence of sensory, mental or physical handicap. This policy is founded upon a recognition of the right of each person to have access to adequate housing of the person's choice. It is recognized that the denial of this right because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, national origin, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap is detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the County and constitutes an unjust deprivation of rights. It is further recognized that such an unjust deprivation of rights is within the power and proper responsibility of government to protect.