Being vegan is now a ‘philosophical belief’ – and protects you from discrimination, judge rules
VEGANISM is a “philosophical belief” and protects you from discrimination, a judge has ruled. An employment tribunal found that ethical veganism is therefore protected by law. Jordi Casamitjana said he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports after raising concerns that its pension fund was being invested into companies involved in animal testing. He […]
VEGANISM is a “philosophical belief” and protects you from discrimination, a judge has ruled.
An employment tribunal found that ethical veganism is therefore protected by law.
Jordi Casamitjana said he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports after raising concerns that its pension fund was being invested into companies involved in animal testing.
He claims he was unfairly disciplined for making this disclosure and the decision to axe him was because of his philosophical belief in ethical veganism.
Judge Robin Postle today ruled that ethical veganism satisfies the tests needed for it to be a philosophical belief.
That means it is therefore protected under the Equality Act 2010.
He ruled that Mr Casamitjana, 55, who lives in London, adheres to the belief of ethical veganism.
For a belief to be protected under the Act, it must meet a series of tests.
It must be worthy of respect in a democratic society, not be incompatible with human dignity and not conflict with fundamental rights of others.
PROTECTED BY LAW
The ruling means that ethical vegans are entitled to protection from discrimination.
Dietary vegans and ethical vegans both eat a plant-based diet.
But ethical vegans also try to exclude all forms of animal exploitation including not wearing clothing made of wool or leather and not using products tested on animals.
Judge Postle said ethical veganism was “important” and “worthy” of respect in a democratic society.
He said: “I am satisfied overwhelmingly that ethical veganism does constitute a philosophical belief.”
Speaking after the ruling, Mr Casamitjana said: “I am extremely happy. I didn’t expect a judgment today.
“This is a very important ruling for vegans everywhere in the world.
“That will inspire other vegans in other countries that don’t have that protection to develop cases that will lead to that protection.”
Solicitor Peter Daly, acting for Mr Casamitjana, said: “This is a very significant judgment.
“It recognises for the first time that ethical veganism can form protective characteristics under the Equality Act, therefore ethical veganism can be protected from discrimination.”
Mr Daly said that the ramifications for companies which employ vegan staff are “potentially significant”.
MOST READ IN NEWS
He said any abuse directed at ethical vegans “might be seen to be harassment in the same way a racist or sexist slur might be discriminatory action”.
The tribunal will now determine whether the League Against Cruel Sports treated Mr Casamitjana less favourably because of his belief in ethical veganism.
The League Against Cruel Sports said it sacked Mr Casamitjana for gross misconduct and that linking the decision to his veganism was “factually wrong”.