Which act outlaws employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

The Civil Rights Act, specifically Title VII, is the legislation that outlaws employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Enacted in 1964, this Act was a pivotal moment in the United States' civil rights movement, as it aimed to eliminate various forms of discrimination in various aspects of society, including employment. Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals when hiring, terminating, or dealing with promotions and significant workplace decisions.

This specific focus on employment discrimination makes the Civil Rights Act the correct answer, as it directly addresses the issue presented in the question. Other acts mentioned, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, while closely related in purpose, primarily exist to reinforce the provisions of the Civil Rights Act rather than to tackle discrimination as an independent statute.