In the United States, the law prohibits the unfair treatment of a person on the basis of their religion, a practice known as religious discrimination. The laws banning religious discrimination begins as early as the US constitution, which grants religious freedom to citizens by means of the first amendment. In addition to the first amendment, federal legislation also protects citizens form religious discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits religious discrimination on employment for companies of more than 15 employees. According to this law, the employer is required to make reasonable accommodations for an employee's religious needs, as well as treated job applicants fairly regardless of their religion. The Fair Housing Act, which is also a Civil Rights Act, also makes religious discrimination illegal, in this case for housing. Other federal laws also prohibit religious discrimination in education, lending, and public accommodations. If a person or group acts in violation of religious discrimination laws, a lawsuit and resulting legal penalties may occur.