If veganism is legally protected, shouldn’t meat-eaters enjoy the same privilege?

All ethical beliefs are equal but some ethical beliefs will now get you fired. No, it’s not making sexist statements or proselytising for the Church of Scientology that will result in you being called in to your manager’s office these days: if you work for property developer Igloo, or office space behemoth WeWork, it’s trying to claim a bacon sandwich on expenses.

Yes, if you’re on their payroll, you'll be better off financially being vegetarian on your lunch breaks. And don’t even think about ordering a pepperoni pizza during an away day: all company events are strictly veggie.

But what right do these companies have to insist their employees can’t eat meat? Well, now you’re asking.

After all, not only is it illegal to insist their employees do eat meat, but a recent court ruling decreed that ‘ethical veganism’ is a legally protected belief on a par with religion or sexuality. That ruling was the first part of a case currently being brought by a man who claims he was sacked from The League Against Cruel Sports (not a group known for its conservative viewpoint) for his veganism.