Ethical Veganism?

A tribunal in UK, in a landmark judgment has ruled that ethical veganism is a ‘philosophical belief’ and therefore is protected in law. The case was brought by an ethical vegan, Jordi Casamitjana, who claims that he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports because of his ethical veganism. The judge ruled that ethical vegans should be entitled to similar legal protections in the workplace as those who hold religious beliefs.

What does this mean?

Ethical vegans differ from vegans. A vegan is someone who does eat or use animal products whereas ethical vegans try to exclude all forms of animal exploitation from their lifestyle.

Religious belief is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. The employment tribunal ruled that ethical veganism qualifies as a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010 by satisfying several tests - including that it is worthy of respect in a democratic society, not incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with the fundamental rights of others.

Though this ruling is not a binding precedent, it will have important effects. Employers will have to respect ethical veganism and ensure that they do not discriminate against employees for this.

The effects of this can be far reaching and only time will tell what they will be. Some say that this ruling may pave the way for ethical vegans to bring a judicial review against the Bank of England issuing banknotes made with animal products.

Peter Daly, the employment lawyer representing Casamitjana, said that the recognition of ethical veganism as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 would have “potentially significant effects on employment and the workplace, education, transport and the provision of goods and services.”

By Swarnim Agrahari