The landmark legislation that granted Civil Rights protections in public accommodations in 1964 is the Civil Rights Act. This Act aimed to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It prohibited unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, employment, and public places. Its passage was a significant milestone in the American civil rights movement, as it provided a legal framework to challenge discriminatory practices and foster equality, thus transforming societal norms.