Final answer:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the act that makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate in hiring practices on the basis of a candidate's membership in a protected group such as race, gender, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation. The enforcement of these laws is the responsibility of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Step-by-step explanation:
The act that states a hiring practice is illegal when a candidate's protected group membership is a factor affecting an employment decision, even when other more legitimate factors are also considered, is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Title VII makes it unlawful for employers to fail to hire, to discharge, or to discriminate against individuals with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the individual's membership in one of the protected groups.
Furthermore, this act extends to various aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment. The enforcement of these federal anti-discrimination laws is overseen by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).