Ohio Civil Rights

In the United States, the issue of civil rights is long and complex. As a country settled largely by those seeking escape from religious persecution, the American fight for civil rights has lasted for 400 years and is still being fought today. In fact, even what defines a civil right has expanded as the country has progressed.

Essentially, civil rights exist to protect personal liberty and are directly covered by existing legislation. This means they are enforceable by law and may result in legal action if another person, private organization, or government interferes with that freedom. In the United States alone, many laws have been enacted to ensure every person has an equal opportunity to engage in daily life without the pressure or threat of discrimination. Legislation concerning race, sex, and religious beliefs is a small sampling of the various laws in place to uphold American civil rights.