Which of the following factors is prohibited from being the basis for discrimination in housing under the 1968 Civil Rights Act?

The 1968 Civil Rights Act, also known as the Fair Housing Act, was established to eliminate discrimination in housing based on specific characteristics. One of the key prohibitions of this Act is discrimination based on race. This means that it is illegal to refuse to sell or rent housing, or to make housing unavailable to someone solely on the basis of their race. This foundational principle is critical in promoting equal housing opportunities.

In contrast, while financial status, geographic location, and age may affect housing options or access to certain areas, they are not categories specifically protected under the Fair Housing Act. Thus, while these factors can have an impact on housing decisions, they do not enjoy the same level of legal protection against discrimination that race does. This emphasis on race as a protected category highlights society's ongoing commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting equal rights in housing.