What legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark law was enacted to address the systemic inequalities that existed in various aspects of public life, including employment, education, and access to public accommodations. It aimed to ensure that all individuals have equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their background.

The Act also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to help monitor and enforce compliance with its provisions. Its significant impact has led to increased awareness and legal frameworks supporting civil rights, effectively shaping social justice movements and policies that followed.

The other legislative measures listed serve different purposes: the Equal Rights Amendment focuses on gender equality in the Constitution but was never ratified. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 specifically targeted racial discrimination in voting practices. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on certain characteristics but does not encompass the broader range of protections that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides. Each of these acts plays a critical role in the civil rights movement, but the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is particularly significant for its comprehensive approach to ending discrimination across multiple sectors.