The significant piece of legislation passed in 1964 that banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin is the Civil Rights Act. This historic law was a cornerstone of the American civil rights movement, addressing inequalities in various areas, including employment, education, and public accommodations. It prohibited segregation in schools and made discrimination illegal in the workplace, reinforcing protections for marginalized groups. The Act represented a major achievement in the struggle for equality and justice in the United States, setting a precedent for future civil rights legislation and movements aimed at combating discrimination.