A Norwich unemployment tribunal has announced a landmark ruling on case of a vegan sacked by his employers. The judge concluded ethical veganism is a philosophical belief and is therefore protected by law.
An employee of the League Against Cruel Sports, Jordi Casamitjana said he had been sacked him from his job after he raised concerns that the League’s pension fund was being invested in companies involved in animal testing.
He claims he was unfairly disciplined for making this disclosure and that the decision to dismiss him was because of his philosophical belief in ethical veganism.
At the tribunal in Norwich today (3rd), judge Robin Postle gave a short summary judgment, ruling that ethical veganism satisfies the tests required for it to be a philosophical belief and is therefore protected under the Equality Act 2010.
He also ruled that 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 including being worthy of respect in a democratic society, being compatible with human dignity and not conflicting with the fundamental rights of others.
The ruling means ethical vegans are entitled to protection from discrimination.
Describing ethical veganism as something which impacts his everyday life, Casamitjana will, for example, walk instead of catching a bus to avoid any crashes with insects or birds, as well as excluding any products made from animal exploitation like wool, leather, and animal testing.