What major civil rights legislation was passed in 1964?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that addressed discrimination and promoted equality in several key areas. It outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, effectively making it illegal to discriminate in employment, education, and public accommodations. This act was significant in the civil rights movement, as it aimed to dismantle systemic racism and provide protections for marginalized groups.

The Civil Rights Act also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to help enforce federal prohibitions against employment discrimination. The passage of this act marked a pivotal advancement in the pursuit of civil rights and laid the groundwork for future legislation aimed at promoting equality and social justice.

Other options refer to legislation that came either later or addressed different specific issues. The Voting Rights Act, for example, was passed in 1965 and focused specifically on protecting the right to vote, while the Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968 to prevent discrimination in housing. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act, although related to employment discrimination, was part of the execution of the provisions established in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.