Which of the following is not considered a protected class under the 1968 Civil Rights Act?

Marital status is not considered a protected class under the 1968 Civil Rights Act. The Act, specifically known as the Fair Housing Act, was established to prevent discrimination in housing based on certain characteristics. The protected classes under this legislation include race, color, religion, sex (which encompasses gender), national origin, familial status, and disability. While gender and national origin are explicitly protected, marital status does not fall within these classifications as per the federal law.

Many states and local jurisdictions have laws that do include marital status as a protected class, but under the federal framework of the Civil Rights Act, marital status is not recognized. Understanding the distinction between federal and state laws is crucial for real estate professionals, as they must comply with both levels of legislation in their practices.