Vegans to be protected by law
The landmark legal case was brought by Jordi Casamitjana, who believes he was unfairly dismissed by the League Against Cruel Sports after he raised concerns that its pension fund was being invested in companies involved in animal testing. In the first of a two-part employment tribunal, Judge Robin Postle ruled that ethical veganism satisfies the tests required for it to be considered a philosophical belief protected under the Equality Act 2010.
To qualify for legal protection in this way, a philosophical belief must pass a series of tests including being worthy of respect in a democratic society, not being incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with the fundamental rights of others.
The finding means that ethical vegans should be entitled to similar legal protection in British workplaces as those who hold religious beliefs. The lawfulness of Casamitjana’s dismissal will be ruled on at a later date.
Casamitjana’s solicitor Peter Daly said: “The recognition of ethical veganism as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 will have potentially significant effects on employment and the workplace, education, transport and the provision of goods and services.”
Dr Jeanette Rowley, a legal expert with the Vegan Society, told the Guardian: “It’s a fantastic day for animals and it’s a fantastic day for vegans who should get more institutional support [whether] in hospitals or in schools… The outcome is the right decision logically, sensibly, and it’s the only rational decision that we could have had”.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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