What is the first comprehensive U.S. law against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is recognized as the first comprehensive U.S. law aimed at prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation was pivotal in advancing civil rights by addressing the pervasive discrimination that existed in various aspects of public life, including employment, education, and public accommodations.

The Act outlawed such discriminatory practices and established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce the law. Its implementation marked a significant shift toward greater equality and social justice in the United States.

Other options, such as the Equality Act, are more recent attempts to extend protections against discrimination but do not serve as the foundational legislation that originated in the 1960s. The Voting Rights Act primarily focused on the prohibition of racial discrimination in voting, while the Age Discrimination in Employment Act targets employment discrimination against individuals aged 40 and older. These laws address specific areas of discrimination but do not encompass the broad range of protections established by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.