The matter of gender and discrimination has often times spurred controversy, especially in the employment setting. Most commonly, gender discrimination takes place in employment, education, housing and lending. Wherever gender discrimination occurs, it generally violates the law and may cause legal action. In employment, a employer may unlawfully discriminate by terminating a female employee or paying her less based on her sex. However, according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employees are protected from this type of discrimination. Religious discrimination in lending usually occurs if a person is denied credit on the basis of their religion. In housing, the Fair Housing Act protects buyers and tenants from activities such as refusing to lease or sell a home because of a person's sex. Laws prohibiting gender discrimination also appear at the state and local level, often supporting or adding to the federal laws.