What does the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause prohibit?

The equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment specifically prohibits unreasonable discrimination by state governments. This clause serves as a guarantee that individuals will not be treated unequally under state law, ensuring that no state shall deny any person the equal protection of the laws. The focus of the clause is on the application of laws and the treatment of individuals by the state, predominantly addressing discrimination that is arbitrary or unjust.

While the 14th Amendment does protect against various forms of discrimination, the prohibition of "unreasonable discrimination" is critical because it does not completely eliminate all distinctions made by laws but rather prohibits those that are not justified by a legitimate governmental objective. In practice, this has led to significant legal rulings focused on issues such as race, gender, and other class-based distinctions where the courts evaluate whether the government's discrimination serves an essential purpose or is justified.

In contrast, the other options suggest broader or different interpretations of the clause that might not align directly with its specific language or usage in legal contexts. For example, while the amendment influences gender discrimination cases, it is not strictly limited to that issue alone. The clause also does not cover all forms of discrimination universally; it specifically targets unreasonable discrimination related to how laws are implemented by state governments.