Ethical veganism is a "philosophical belief" and so is protected in law, BBC News reports a tribunal has ruled for the first time. The landmark legal case was brought by vegan Jordi Casamitjana, who claims he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports because of his ethical veganism. His former employer says he was dismissed for gross misconduct.
The judge ruled that ethical vegans should be entitled to similar legal protections in UK workplaces as those who hold religious beliefs. He is yet to rule on Casamitjana's dismissal – which is due at a later date. The tribunal centres on his claim that he was sacked by the animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports after disclosing it invested pension funds in firms involved in animal testing.
Casamitjana says when he drew his bosses' attention to the pension fund investments, they did nothing so he informed colleagues and was sacked as a result. The judge Robin Postle 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.
BBC legal correspondent Clive Coleman writes in the report that though a ruling from an employment tribunal does not amount to binding legal precedent, this one will have important and far-reaching effects. Employers will have to respect ethical veganism and make sure they do not discriminate against employees for their beliefs.
[link url="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50981359"]BBC News report[/link]