Ethical Veganism is a Philosophical Belief!

An employment tribunal has today ruled that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief and therefore should be protected under the Equality Act 2010. Vegan Jordi Casamitjana claims he was dismissed by his former employer, the League Against Cruel Sports, because of his ethical veganism beliefs.

There are currently nine ‘characteristics’ protected under the Equality Act of which religion and belief is one. This ruling makes it potentially unlawful for employers to discriminate, victimise or harass someone because of their ethical veganism belief.

It is noteworthy that today’s ruling is a first-tier tribunal judgment and so is not binding on any other employment tribunal across the country. It therefore remains to be seen whether other tribunals will equally follow suit and afford protection to individuals who are discriminated against for their ethical veganism beliefs. We suspect they will. Watch this space.

In the Casamitjana case, the tribunal is yet to decide on whether Casamitjana’s dismissal was because of his belief, something which is denied by his former employer. The case continues.

For advice on any employment law related matter, please contact Lianne Payne, Head of Employment:

Email: Lianne@askewslegal.co