Dennis the 'Bloody Peasant'
2nd July 2012, 10:13
The Civil Rights Bill - one of the most important piece of legislation in American history - has become law.
US President Lyndon B Johnson signed the bill creating equal rights in voting, education, public accommodations, union membership and in federally assisted programmes - regardless of race, colour, religion or national origin.
The bill has caused much controversy since it was introduced last year by President John F Kennedy.
It was signed tonight in the White House five hours after the House of Representatives passed it by 289 to 126 votes.
After the signing, President Johnson shook hands with civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King.
In a television address to the nation he called on US citizens to "eliminate the last vestiges of injustice in America".
"Let us close the springs of racial poison," he said.
Parts of the bill take immediate effect, including the "public accommodations" element which means black people can no longer be excluded from restaurants, hotels, bars, cinemas, sports stadia and other public facilities.
Sections on voting rights and desegregation of schools are also enforceable from now and give the Attorney General more power to intervene where necessary.
The section on equal opportunity in employment will not begin to operate for another year and will not be fully effective for five years.
During the debate on the bill, segregationist politicians from America's deep south expressed their disappointment and anger. Congressman Howard Smith of Virginia called it a "monstrous oppression of the people".
(More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/2/newsid_3787000/3787809.stm)
US President Lyndon B Johnson signed the bill creating equal rights in voting, education, public accommodations, union membership and in federally assisted programmes - regardless of race, colour, religion or national origin.
The bill has caused much controversy since it was introduced last year by President John F Kennedy.
It was signed tonight in the White House five hours after the House of Representatives passed it by 289 to 126 votes.
After the signing, President Johnson shook hands with civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King.
In a television address to the nation he called on US citizens to "eliminate the last vestiges of injustice in America".
"Let us close the springs of racial poison," he said.
Parts of the bill take immediate effect, including the "public accommodations" element which means black people can no longer be excluded from restaurants, hotels, bars, cinemas, sports stadia and other public facilities.
Sections on voting rights and desegregation of schools are also enforceable from now and give the Attorney General more power to intervene where necessary.
The section on equal opportunity in employment will not begin to operate for another year and will not be fully effective for five years.
During the debate on the bill, segregationist politicians from America's deep south expressed their disappointment and anger. Congressman Howard Smith of Virginia called it a "monstrous oppression of the people".
(More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/2/newsid_3787000/3787809.stm)