Which federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, and other specified characteristics?

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 is the federal law that specifically prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. This law was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at eliminating discriminatory practices in the sale, rental, and financing of housing, thereby promoting equitable access to housing opportunities for all individuals.

The Act was part of a broader civil rights movement initiative to ensure that all Americans have the same rights when it comes to housing. By defining prohibited discriminatory practices and establishing enforcement mechanisms, the Fair Housing Act has played a crucial role in reducing instances of housing segregation and discriminatory behavior.

Other laws mentioned may address discrimination or civil rights in varying contexts, but they do not focus specifically on the nuances of housing. For instance, while the Civil Rights Act aims to combat discrimination broadly, it does not single out housing-related practices like the Fair Housing Act does. The Equal Opportunity Act and Housing Discrimination Act are not established federal laws specifically focused on housing discrimination in the same comprehensive way as the Fair Housing Act. Therefore, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 is undoubtedly the correct answer for this question, as it directly addresses the prohibitions against housing discrimination based on the listed characteristics.