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 South Carolina, as in all states, 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 prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 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 protections against discrimination and ensure equal protection under the law. South Carolina also has its own set of statutes that address civil rights issues, such as the South Carolina Human Affairs Law, which mirrors many of the protections found in federal law and is enforced by the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. This state law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It is important for individuals in South Carolina 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.