Civil rights generally refers to the law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or religion. Discrimination occurs when a person’s rights are denied or interfered with on the basis of their membership in such a particular group or class.

Civil rights are distinct from civil liberties, such as the right to vote, freedom of speech, and other rights in the Bill of Rights (first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution).

Civil rights law includes the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Twenty-Fourth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution—and federal statutes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

In Hawaii, civil rights are protected under both federal and state laws. Federal civil rights statutes, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment, education, and access to public accommodations. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 safeguards against racial discrimination in voting, while the Civil Rights Act of 1968 addresses discrimination in housing. Additionally, Hawaii has its own civil rights laws that complement federal legislation. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) enforces state laws against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and access to state and state-funded services. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 368 provides for the enforcement of these rights and prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, color, ancestry, disability, marital status, or arrest and court record (in certain situations). It is important for individuals in Hawaii to understand that they are protected by a combination of state and federal laws, and if they believe their civil rights have been violated, they may seek recourse through the appropriate legal channels, potentially with the assistance of an attorney.