In a landmark case, an Employment Tribunal in the United Kingdom has ruled that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief that is protected by law against discrimination.
Mr. Jordi Casamitjana had claimed that he was unfairly sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), an animal welfare charity, after he raised concerns with colleagues that its pension fund invested in companies involved in animal testing. Mr. Casamitjana’s had stated that when he drew his bosses’ attention to the pension fund investments, they did nothing so he informed colleagues and was sacked as a result.
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.
The ruling by the tribunal does not settle the claim that Mr. Casamitjana had been unfairly dismissed, but laid the grounds for a substantive hearing, as well as potentially significant legal ramifications.
Whilst this was the first case concerning ethical veganism, a previous tribunal had ruled that a strongly held belief in climate change amounted to a philosophical belief capable of protecting someone against discrimination in their employment.