Relevant Federal Laws

U.S. Department of Justice   |   U.S. Senate   |   U.S. House of Representatives

Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment ("Title VII"), public accommodations, and education and by programs which receive federal financial assistance.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in all types of housing transactions. The Fair Housing Act applies not only to actions by direct providers of housing such as landlords and real estate companies, but also to actions by municipalities, banks, insurance companies, and other entities whose discriminatory practices make housing unavailable to persons because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familiar status. The statute authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to bring lawsuits to address discriminatory policies or "patterns and practices" and also creates a mechanism by which individuals may file a complaint with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Americans With Disabilities Act makes it unlawful for employers with 15 or more employees to discriminate against qualified employees on the basis of a disability. Reasonable accommodation must be provided unless it would pose an undue hardship to an employer. The federal law also requires employers qualifying as "public accommodations," private entities providing public transportation, and any business that constructs new facilities or alters existing ones. The ADA further requires that access be provided to disabled individuals.

Conspiracy Against Rights , 18 U.S.C. Section 241, prohibits conspiracies with a purpose to injure, threaten or intimidate one or more persons from the free exercise or enjoyment of a right secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.