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 Maryland, civil rights are protected under both federal and state laws. Federal laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 provide broad protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and age. These laws apply to various areas including employment, education, housing, and access to public accommodations. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution also plays a crucial role in protecting civil rights by ensuring equal protection under the law. Maryland has its own set of statutes that complement federal laws, such as the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Additionally, the Maryland Human Relations Commission is an agency responsible for enforcing state civil rights laws and addressing discrimination complaints. It's important for individuals in Maryland to understand that while civil liberties are rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, civil rights focus on the right to be free from discrimination in various aspects of life.