Which of the following penalties can be imposed for discrimination in housing under Virginia law?

The correct answer highlights that civil penalties can be imposed for discrimination in housing under Virginia law. This is significant because the law aims to protect individuals from unfair treatment in housing based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability.

When civil penalties are applied, they typically serve as a financial deterrent to discriminatory actions. These penalties may include fines that the offending party must pay, which reinforces the importance of adhering to fair housing laws. It also indicates that the state takes such matters seriously and seeks to promote equity in housing accessibility.

Other penalties mentioned, while they might seem relevant, do not directly address the specific legal outcomes associated with housing discrimination cases in Virginia. For example, losing local tax benefits may be related to various local ordinances but isn't a standard penalty under state fair housing laws. Similarly, revocation of a license to operate could be applicable in certain severe cases, but civil penalties are the more common recourse for violations of housing discrimination laws. Mandatory community service is not typically associated with legal penalties for discrimination under this context either, as civil penalties are designed more as a financial consequence rather than a corrective social action.