In some cases, state laws protect more people than federal laws.Īltogether, these laws protect American civil rights by allowing victims of discrimination or harassment to bring civil lawsuits in state or federal court. Many states have also enacted laws protecting equal access to services and freedom from discrimination and harassment for protected classes of people. Education: Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.Other federal anti-discrimination laws expand on various areas of life where rights are protected, such as: Pregnancy Status: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 gives pregnant employees protection.Gender: The Equal Pay Act of 1963 prevents gender discrimination in pay, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prevents gender discrimination in educational settings.There are also laws under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. Disabilities: The Americans with Disabilities Act prevents workplace discrimination against people with disabilities.Younger Age: The Fair Housing Act prevents housing discrimination against families with children.Older Age: The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 provides access to programs and services, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects employment conditions.Other federal legislation expanded protected rights, such as: The most notable legislation is the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment, education, voting, and public accommodations. Some civil rights are from the Constitution, but most civil rights result from federal legislation or federal court cases. These protections are enforced at the federal and state level in various settings, including education, housing, employment, voting, public accommodations (businesses), and more.
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Civil rights include the right to be free from unequal treatment, regardless of race, sex, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, religion, and in some cases, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.Ĭivil rights laws promote equal access and opportunity and protect people from unfair or discriminatory treatment.