The Civil Rights Act of 1866

Imagine a law so strict, so absolute, that even today—over 150 years later—it has zero exceptions. After the Civil War ended, the U.S. government wanted to ensure that newly freed slaves had the fundamental right to own property. So, they passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866. This Act prohibits discrimination based on RACE in the purchase, sale, lease, or conveyance of real property. It covers residential land, commercial buildings, vacant lots—everything. It only covers race. It says nothing about religion, gender, or disability.