What law prohibits discrimination based on race in property transactions?

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is the correct answer as it explicitly prohibits discrimination based on race in property transactions. This historical legislation was a foundational law aimed at ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their race, could enter into contracts, including real estate transactions. The law represents an essential step in the broader civil rights movement, reinforcing the principle of equality before the law.

While the Fair Housing Act also addresses discrimination in housing, it was enacted later in 1968 and covers a broader range of discriminatory practices beyond just race, including color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act focuses specifically on preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities, not racial discrimination. The Equal Housing Opportunity Act is often associated with the Fair Housing Act and serves as an enforcement mechanism, promoting equal access to housing but again does not solely address race.