In a landmark employment tribunal in Norwich, UK, a judge has ruled that ethical veganism is philosophical belief and is therefore protected by law. Jordi Casamitjana has today won his appeal over being dismissed from his job due to his beliefs about the use of his pension funds not to be invested in animal cruelty.
Mr Casamitjana, as reported by Sky News, says that he was fired by the League Against Cruel Sports after informing his colleagues that the organisation’s pension fund was invested in companies that test on animals. The League argued that he was in fact fired for gross misconduct.
However, today Friday 3rd Jan, Judge Robin Postle ruled that ethical veganism satisfies the requisites to qualify as a philosophical belief and as such is protected under the Equality Act 2010. In order to be protected under the Equality Act, it must be deemed worthy of respect in a democratic society, of being compatible with human dignity and found not to be conflicting with fundamental rights of others. This is a landmark ruling with huge future potential for vegans and for the movement.
