The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was landmark legislation that aimed to end discrimination and ensure equal rights for all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Here are the three main provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964:
1. Prohibition of Discrimination: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal for employers, labor unions, and employment agencies to discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This provision also applied to public accommodations, such as restaurants, hotels, and theaters.
2. Voting Rights Protection: The Act prohibited discrimination in voting, including literacy tests and other measures that had been used to restrict voting rights for African Americans. It also authorized the US Attorney General to file lawsuits to enforce the right to vote.
3. Establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): The EEOC was established to enforce the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It was given the power to investigate complaints of discrimination and to bring lawsuits against employers or other entities that violated the Act.
Overall, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a major step forward in the fight for equal rights and helped to pave the way for the progress that has been made in the decades since its passage.