How do civil rights laws protect against discrimination?

Civil rights laws protect individuals from discrimination by making it illegal for any person, business, or organization to discriminate against someone based on certain traits. In California, this includes race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, and other characteristics. These laws protect individuals from being treated unfairly or differently in everything from housing, education, and employment to public accommodations, credit, and voting. This means businesses and organizations must treat everyone the same regardless of their protected characteristics. For example, people cannot be denied housing, educational opportunities, or employment based on their race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against someone for pursuing their rights under civil rights laws, such as filing a complaint or participating in an investigation. In addition, businesses and organizations must make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes providing an interpreter for someone with a hearing impairment or making workplace facilities more accessible. In California, civil rights laws are enforced by the Department of Fair Employment and Housing as well as other state and local agencies. Anyone who believes their rights have been violated can file a complaint with one of these agencies.

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How do civil rights laws protect against discrimination?

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