A civil right is an enforceable right or privilege, which if interfered with by another gives rise to an action for injury. Examples of civil rights are freedom of speech, press, and assembly; the right to vote; freedom from involuntary servitude; and the right to equality in public places. Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class. Statutes have been enacted to prevent discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, previous condition of servitude, physical limitation, national origin, and in some instances sexual preference. Civil rights attorneys handle cases involving the rights of individuals to be free from unequal treatment (or discrimination) based on legally-protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, and religion. Civil rights cases can arise in a number of settings -- including employment, housing, lending, and education.
Winona is a town in Smith County, Texas, United States. The population was 582 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Tyler, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area. It was founded in 1870. In May 2009, a referendum to make the town go "Wet" failed with a 94 FOR and 94 AGAINST tie, which was a fail by Texas law. On November 3rd 2009, after a revote being called with the result of 124 FOR and 106 AGAINST, Winona is the first city in Smith County to go wet, allowing Beer, Wine, and Liquor since 1939.