What additional form of discrimination was added in the Civil Rights Act of 1974?

The Civil Rights Act of 1974 expanded upon previous civil rights legislation by adding gender/sex discrimination as a protected category. This significant addition recognized the need to address inequalities and discriminatory practices based on an individual's gender, thereby enhancing protections in employment, housing, and other areas. Prior to this act, discrimination based on sex was largely unaddressed in federal law, and the inclusion of gender discrimination marked a crucial step forward in the civil rights movement, emphasizing that both women and men should have equal opportunities and protections under the law.

The understanding of gender discrimination in this context relates not only to equal pay and job opportunities but also extends to protections in various societal arenas. The amendments brought about by the 1974 act aimed to ensure that individuals could not be denied jobs, promotions, or other resources simply because of their sex. This advancement laid the groundwork for further developments in anti-discrimination laws and has had a lasting impact on equal rights legislation.