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Johnson Signs Civil Rights Act

1964

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964, after 534 hours of congressional debate and consideration of 500 amendments. The law bans discrimination in a variety of settings, including public accommodations, education and government services. Title VII of the law prohibits private employers, labor unions, and employment agencies from discriminating in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion and national origin. In 1967, Johnson will expand the law to cover sex discrimination.