| − | 42 U.S.C. § 1981, or more familiarly simply '''Section 1981''', is a [[federal]] law that establishes the rights under the law for persons of all color shall be the same as the rights of "white citizens": | + | 42 U.S.C. § 1981, which is often referred to as merely "'''Section 1981'''," is a [[federal]] law that establishes the rights under the law for persons of all color shall be the same as the rights of "white citizens." [[State action]] is not required, but proof of intentional racial discrimination is. |
| | :(a) Statement of equal rights. All persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall have the same right in every State and Territory to make and enforce contracts, to sue, be parties, give evidence, and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens, and shall be subject to like punishment, pains, penalties, taxes, licenses, and exactions of every kind, and to no other. | | :(a) Statement of equal rights. All persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall have the same right in every State and Territory to make and enforce contracts, to sue, be parties, give evidence, and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens, and shall be subject to like punishment, pains, penalties, taxes, licenses, and exactions of every kind, and to no other. |