A recent Norwich Employment Tribunal has found that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief capable of protection under the Equality Act 2010. As a result, ethical vegans are now likely to be protected against discrimination because of their belief.

Jordi Casamitjana was dismissed by the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) after disclosing to colleagues that the charity was investing pension funds in firms who are involved in animal testing. Mr Casamitjana claims he was dismissed as a result of his ethical veganism, which amounted to an act of discrimination. LACS deny this and assert that Mr Casamitjana committed gross misconduct and was fairly dismissed.

As a preliminary issue, the Tribunal needed to determine whether ethical veganism was a philosophical belied capable of protection. Applying the leading authority of Grainger Plc & Others v Mr T Nicholson, the Tribunal found that it was capable of protection given that ethical veganism:

was a belief genuinely held by Mr Casamitjana; is an actual belief and not just an opinion or viewpoint; is a belief as to a weighty and substantial aspect of human life and behaviour; is worthy of attaining a certain level of cogency, seriousness, cohesion and importance; is worthy of respect in a democratic society, not incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with the fundamental rights of others; and has a similar status or cogency to a religious belief.

Having determined that preliminary issue, the Tribunal will now go on to consider whether Mr Casamitiana was unfairly dismissed and/or discriminated because he was a vegan.

This case may forever change the meaning of what it means to be a vegan and we can’t wait. If veganism becomes a religion it would mean society as a whole no longer consider being vegan a fringe movement.

We want to hear your thoughts… Do you consider veganism to be a religion?