What important legislation was passed in 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on race and gender?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is crucial because it marked a significant turning point in American history by addressing widespread discrimination and segregation. This legislation prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in various areas, including employment and public accommodations. The act aimed to eliminate inequalities and foster greater inclusion and equal protection under the law for all individuals, making it a foundational element in the civil rights movement.

The other acts mentioned, while important, focus on more specific aspects of discrimination. The Voting Rights Act primarily addressed barriers to voting for African Americans, emphasizing suffrage rather than broad anti-discrimination measures. The Equal Pay Act is focused on wage equality between men and women, targeting a specific aspect of gender discrimination, while the Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968, aimed to eliminate discrimination in housing. Each of these legislative acts contributes to the broader goal of civil rights but does not encompass the wide-ranging prohibitions against discrimination that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 established.