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Ethical veganism is 'philosophical belief' Ethical veganism is philosophical belief, tribunal rules
(32 minutes later)
Ethical veganism is a "philosophical belief" and so is protected in law, an employment tribunal has ruled for the first time. Ethical veganism is a "philosophical belief" and so is protected in law, a tribunal has ruled for the first time.
The case was brought by vegan Jordi Casamitjana, who claims he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports because of his ethical veganism.The case was brought by vegan Jordi Casamitjana, who claims he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports because of his ethical veganism.
But his employer says he was dismissed for gross misconduct.But his employer says he was dismissed for gross misconduct.
The judge ruled ethical veganism should fall under the Equality Act 2010 but is yet to rule on his dismissal. The judge ruled ethical veganism should fall under the Equality Act 2010 but is yet to rule on Mr Casamitjana's dismissal.
The ruling means ethical vegans are entitled to protection from discrimination. Mr Casamitjana says he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports after disclosing it invested pension funds in firms involved in animal testing.
He claims when he drew his bosses' attention to the pension fund investments, they did nothing so he informed colleagues and was sacked as a result.
Animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports did not contest that ethical veganism should be protected.
The tribunal's ruling means ethical vegans are entitled to protection from discrimination.
All vegans eat a plant-based diet, but ethical vegans try to exclude all forms of animal exploitation.All vegans eat a plant-based diet, but ethical vegans try to exclude all forms of animal exploitation.
For instance they avoid wearing or buying clothing made from wool or leather, or toiletries from companies that carry out animal testing.For instance they avoid wearing or buying clothing made from wool or leather, or toiletries from companies that carry out animal testing.
The judge Robin Postle ruled Mr Casamitjana adheres to the ethical veganism belief, and that the belief satisfies the tests required for it to be a philosophical belief under the Equality Act. "Religion or belief" is one of nine "protected characteristics" covered by the Equality Act 2010.
For a belief to be protected under the act, it must meet a series of tests including being worthy of respect in a democratic society, not being incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with fundamental rights of others. The judge Robin Postle ruled that ethical veganism qualifies as a philosophical belief, after satisfying several tests - including that it is worthy of respect in a democratic society, not incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with the fundamental rights of others.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. At the tribunal in Norwich on Friday, the judge said in his ruling that ethical veganism was "important" and "worthy" of respect in a democratic society.
You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts. He said: "I am satisfied overwhelmingly that ethical veganism does constitute a philosophical belief."
Ruling 'will inspire vegans'
Speaking outside the tribunal, Mr Casamitjana said: "I am extremely happy. I didn't expect a judgment today.
"This is a very important ruling for vegans everywhere in the world.
"That will inspire other vegans in other countries that don't have that protection to develop cases that will lead to that protection."
Mr Casamitjana describes himself as an ethical vegan and campaigns to get his message to others.
His beliefs affect much of his everyday life. He will, for instance, walk rather than take a bus to avoid accidental crashes with insects or birds.