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In 1963, Congress voted The Equal Pay Act and in 1964 Title VII of The Civil Rights Act prohibited sex discrimination in the workplace. These laws provided women with essential protections, as they began to enter the workforce in large numbers. The Supreme Court and lower federal courts were instrumental in elaborating jurisprudence under these Acts, striking down gender-biased laws and upholding Affirmative Action plans. In 1978, Title VII was amended so as to protect pregnant women from discrimination policies and in 1986, the Court affirmed that sexual harassment was sex discrimination. Feminist writers and groups have often pondered over the ability of the judicial and legislative powers to advance the cause of women; and taking stock, they offer contrasting views.