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Marital status is not a federally protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act, which specifically safeguards against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. While various state laws may offer protections regarding marital status, federal law does not include this trait, making it the correct answer in this context.

On the other hand, race and color are explicitly listed as protected categories in the Fair Housing Act to ensure that individuals cannot be discriminated against in housing based on these traits. Sexual orientation may not be explicitly mentioned in federal law at this time, but some states and local jurisdictions have their own regulations that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. This creates a complex landscape where understanding local laws in addition to federal regulations is crucial for compliance and protection against discrimination.