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How has the history of discrimination influenced the creation and evolution of discrimination laws?

Kale Shury

Hey there!

The history of discrimination has played a significant role in the creation and evolution of discrimination laws. In the past, discrimination was rampant, and it was commonly practiced in various parts of the world. Discrimination took many forms – people were discriminated based on their race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. This resulted in the marginalization of certain communities, making it difficult for them to live normal lives.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was a pivotal moment in the creation of discrimination laws. This movement was inspired by the African American community, which had been suffering under Jim Crow laws that permitted segregation and discriminated against them. The movement paved the way for the creation of several crucial pieces of legislation – including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – which ended segregation in public places and prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

The impact of these laws was enormous, as they heralded an era of greater equality and inclusion for marginalized communities. However, discrimination persisted, and new forms of discrimination emerged. Consequently, legislation was necessary to address these new forms of discrimination. For example, in the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was created in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Laws related to discrimination against LGBTQ+ people have been more recent. In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States authorized same-sex marriage nationwide, marking a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community. However, the fight for equality continues with ongoing efforts to enshrine protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The evolution of discrimination laws has also been influenced by the changing attitudes of society towards discrimination. For instance, in the past, discrimination was regarded as a normal part of everyday life. However, as society became more aware of the negative impact of discrimination, public opinion began to shift. This led to more pressure on lawmakers to create stronger laws to protect individuals from discrimination.

In conclusion, the history of discrimination has played a crucial role in the creation and evolution of discrimination laws. These laws have been created to ensure greater equality and inclusion for marginalized communities. However, discrimination persists, and we must continue to lobby for the creation of laws that protect the rights of all individuals.