Federal housing officials said Wednesday they're developing regulations to ensure that gays and lesbians aren't denied access to federally subsidized housing based on their sexual orientation.

The Housing and Urban Development Department will also commission a first-ever nationwide study to determine the extent of discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing sales and rental programs.

Officials said the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in the sale and rental of homes, doesn't specifically cite gays and lesbians when it comes to the groups protected. The department wants to make sure that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people are treated the same as everyone else when it comes to eligibility for housing programs.

The extent of such discrimination is unknown, but HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said it undoubtedly exists.

"The evidence is clear that some are denied the opportunity to make housing choices in our nation based on who they are and that must end," said Donovan.

Department officials pointed to a study from Michigan's Fair Housing Centers that found nearly 30 percent of same-sex couples were treated differently when trying to buy or rent a home.

The department also announced that the regulations concerning HUD's housing and voucher programs would clarify that the term "family" also applies to lesbian and gay couples.