What is the significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation that played a crucial role in the American civil rights movement by outlawing discrimination on several key grounds. The Act specifically prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in various areas, including employment, education, and public accommodations. This was significant because it provided a legal framework for combating systemic discrimination and promoting equality, which were major goals of civil rights activists at the time.

By outlawing such discrimination, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 sought to dismantle the institutional barriers that had long perpetuated inequality and segregation in American society. This legislation laid the groundwork for further advancements in civil rights and was pivotal in fostering greater social justice and equal opportunity.

The other options reference important issues but do not accurately reflect the primary focus of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Ending child labor laws is associated with earlier labor reforms, ensuring equal voting rights relates to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and granting women the right to vote pertains to the 19th Amendment passed in 1920. Thus, the clear primary significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 lies in its role in prohibiting discrimination and promoting equality in multiple sectors.