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 Rhode Island, 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, and other characteristics. These laws apply to various areas including employment, education, housing, and voting. The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution also play a crucial role in establishing and protecting civil rights at the national level. Additionally, Rhode Island has its own set of statutes that complement federal laws, such as the Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act and the Rhode Island Civil Rights Act, which prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations. The state also has laws that address hate crimes and provide for equal rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. An attorney specializing in civil rights law can provide guidance on how these laws apply to specific situations within Rhode Island.