What law established the prohibition against employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the significant piece of legislation that established the prohibition against employment discrimination based on several protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark law was a crucial step in the civil rights movement, aiming to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunity in various aspects, including employment. Title VII of the Act specifically addresses employment discrimination, making it illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals in hiring, promotion, termination, and other terms or conditions of employment based on these protected characteristics.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of employment law. The Fair Labor Standards Act primarily deals with minimum wage and overtime pay regulations and does not address discrimination. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects individuals over the age of 40 from employment discrimination, focusing solely on age rather than a broader range of characteristics. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities but does not cover the range of other characteristics addressed in the Civil Rights Act.