Which federal law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race?

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is a landmark piece of legislation that specifically prohibits discrimination based on race in housing and property transactions. This act was one of the first laws in the United States to affirm the rights of all citizens to own property regardless of race, and it laid the groundwork for future civil rights protections. It is particularly significant because it was enacted in the aftermath of the Civil War, aiming to provide equal rights to formerly enslaved individuals. Its main thrust is that all citizens have the same right to enter into contracts and to enjoy property rights.

Other legislation, such as the Fair Housing Act, also addresses housing discrimination but was established later, in 1968. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 primarily focuses on discrimination in employment, education, and public accommodations, not specifically housing. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act targets discrimination in credit practices, meaning it does not directly address housing discrimination. Hence, while various laws address aspects of discrimination, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 is the key law that addresses housing discrimination specifically based on race.