Veganism could be protected by law as a ‘philosophical belief’ similar to a religion, after a vegan claimed he was fired for his views.
Former employee of League Against Cruel Sports, Jordi Casamitjana, argues he was discriminated against for being vegan.
He claimed he was fired after he exposed the charity to other employees for investing its pension funds in firms involved in animal testing.
A tribunal will decide if his vegan beliefs should be protected by law, in a landmark ruling for vegans across the UK.
The League Against Cruel Sports has dismissed the claims of Casamitjana, explaining he was fired for gross misconduct.
Landmark case
Next March an employment tribunal will decide for the first time if veganism is a philosophical belief to be protected by law.
The Equality Act 2010 protects ‘religions and beliefs’ with equal weight as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, sex and sexual orientation.
It is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees because of their religion or belief.
Louise Davies, head of campaigns, policy and research at The Vegan Society, told Totally Vegan Buzz: “The Vegan Society is supporting the hearing to determine the question of whether Ethical Veganism is philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010.
“For many people, veganism is a deeply held belief. This could be a landmark ruling that will not only recognise the validity and importance of veganism, but also confirm that the needs of vegans in their employment and their everyday lives must be taken seriously.”
‘Ethical vegan’
Casamitjana describes himself as an ‘ethical vegan’.
“Some people only eat a vegan diet but they don’t care about the environment or the animals, they only care about their health,” he told the BBC:
“I care about the animals and the environment and my health and everything.
“That’s why I use this term ‘ethical veganism’ because for me veganism is a belief and affects every single aspect of my life.”
The term ‘ethical vegan’ is often used by vegans who, in addition to following a plant-based diet, do not wear clothes made of wool or leather, use any products tested on animals or visit zoos in order to avoid all forms of animal exploitation.
Animal testing
Casamitjana has claimed he discovered the animal welfare charity was investing its pension fund in companies that carry out animal testing.
He said when he informed managers nothing was done, which led him to tell other employees, and he was then fired.
‘Factually wrong’
Casamitjana claims he was therefore discriminated against for his veganism.
The League Against Cruel Sports said in a statement: “Mr Casamitjana was dismissed from his position because of gross misconduct.
“To link his dismissal with issues pertaining to veganism is factually wrong.
“Mr Casamitjana is seeking to use his veganism as the reason for his dismissal. We emphatically reject this claim.”
‘Combat discrimination’
To qualify as a philosophical belief, veganism must be genuine, be a weighty and substantial aspect of human life and behaviour and attain a level of cogency, seriousness, cohesion and importance.
It must also be deemed worthy of respect in a democratic society, not be incompatible with human dignity and not conflict with the fundamental rights of others.
Casamitjana’s solicitor, Peter Daly, of Bindmans LLP, told the BBC: “If we are successful, we will achieve a judgment which formally recognises the protected status of ethical veganism and which could then be used as the basis to combat discrimination against vegans in employment, in the provision of goods and services, and in education.”
What do you think of this landmark ruling? Tell us in the comments section below!
About The Author
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
UK’s Biggest Vegan Event, Vegan Camp Out Returns for 2025 at a New Location!
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 6th November 2024
UK’s biggest vegan event, Vegan Camp Out, is gearing up for its 9th annual gathering, showcasing an impressive lineup of performers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and activists. Started in 2016 with just 412 people by Jordan Martin and his sister Ellis Goodridge, the festival has grown significantly year by year and now anticipates welcoming 7,500 attendees from …
Continue reading “UK’s Biggest Vegan Event, Vegan Camp Out Returns for 2025 at a New Location!”
F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Invests In Plant Based Pet Food Company Bramble
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 14th October 2024
Lewis Hamilton, the renowned Formula One champion and a vocal advocate for veganism, has expanded his influence into the pet industry by investing in Bramble, a New York-based company that produces vet-formulated vegan pet food. This venture aligns perfectly with Hamilton’s personal and professional commitment to sustainability and animal welfare, reflecting his belief that the …
Continue reading “F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Invests In Plant Based Pet Food Company Bramble”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. [wpViralQuiz id=27203]
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. [wpViralQuiz id=33494]
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. [wpViralQuiz id=31281] Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God