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 Mississippi, 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. Additionally, the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution provide foundational civil rights protections, such as the abolition of slavery, equal protection under the law, and the right to vote. Mississippi state law also prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations, and the state has its own fair housing laws. However, Mississippi does not have a state law that explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Individuals in Mississippi who believe their civil rights have been violated can seek recourse through state agencies like the Mississippi Department of Employment Security or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and they may also pursue legal action with the assistance of an attorney.