A U.K. judge has ruled that people who identify as ethical vegans deserve just as much legal protection from discrimination as those who follow a traditional religion.
The landmark decision, issued by tribunal Judge Robin Postle in Norwich on Friday, suggests that the ethical veganism practiced by complainant Jordi Casamitjana is a “philosophical belief” covered by the U.K.’s Equality Act 2010, an antidiscrimination law.
The decision helped establish the foundation of a case that Casamitjana is still pursuing against his former employer, the League Against Cruel Sports. Casamitjana claims he was fired because of his ethical veganism ― an allegation that the league disputes.
Casamitjana said Friday that he is “extremely happy” with the outcome of the hearing. He said he’s heard from many other ethical vegans who have also experienced discrimination.
For ethical vegans, adopting a vegan lifestyle means much more than making changes to one’s diet. In addition to avoiding eating food derived from animals, ethical vegans also refuse to purchase animal-based products, such as leather or fur, or support companies that test their products on animals.
“Better protection means more vegans will be able to be open about their beliefs,” Casamitjana said in a statement published by his legal team. “This can only be a good thing for the billions of animals still exploited by humans, an environment under duress and stressed public health.”
Jordi Casamitjana after a judge ruled that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief and therefore protected by law. (Photo: Nick Ansell - PA Images via Getty Images)
Friday’s hearing dealt only with the question of whether ethical veganism is a protected philosophical belief. A hearing addressing whether Casamitjana was fired for his beliefs is scheduled for February.
Casamitjana previously worked as head of policy and research at the League Against Cruel Sports, which advocates against animal hunting and dog fighting, according to The Guardian. He claims he was fired after alerting his colleagues that the organization’s pension fund was investing in companies that engage in animal testing.
The League Against Cruel Sports does not contest Postle’s ruling that veganism is a protected belief, according to Rhys Wyborn, a lawyer for the organization. The league maintains that Casamitjana’s veganism is irrelevant to the core reason for his dismissal, which Wyborn said was due to “misconduct.” It’s unclear what that alleged misconduct entailed. In 2018, the league released a statement saying that the reason for Casamitjana’s dismissal is “confidential information which we are respecting.”
To satisfy the requirements of the U.K.’s Equality Act, Casamitjana had to demonstrate to Postle that his beliefs are genuinely held, concern a substantial aspect of human life, are part of a coherent belief system, and do not conflict with the rights of others, among other legal tests.
Casamitjana has been an ethical vegan for over 18 years. In a document submitted to the tribunal, his lawyers said he avoids taking the bus to avoid accidental crashes with insects or birds and opts to walk instead. Whenever possible, he avoids social gatherings if not all the food served is vegan. He refuses to share property with anyone who isn’t vegan and hasn’t dated anyone who isn’t vegan. Casamitjana also regularly proselytizes about the ethical vegan lifestyle with the goal of converting others, the document states.
“Ethical Veganism dictates all of my choices from the products and services that I consume, my interactions with the world and the way that I use my time and my employment,” Casamitjana said in the document.
Jordi Casamitjana leaves court on Jan. 3, 2020. (Photo: Nick Ansell - PA Images via Getty Images)
In addition to religion and belief, the U.K.’s Equality Act prohibits discrimination against people on the basis of eight other personal characteristics, including age, disability, pregnancy, race, sex and sexual orientation.
Casamitjana’s case was heard by an employment tribunal, judicial bodies in the U.K. that decide cases in certain areas of the law. The tribunal ruling doesn’t create a binding legal precedent for future cases, but it could still have a far-reaching impact, according to BBC legal correspondent Clive Coleman.
“The implications are considerable, not least because the legal protection will apply beyond employment, in areas such as education and the supply of goods and services,” Coleman wrote in an analysis. “It could also encourage others to seek similar protection for their philosophical beliefs.”
What We Hear: "Well, you kill plants!" The Comeback: Tell you what, I'll watch 10 minutes of someone cutting up carrots, you watch 10 minutes of cows being slaughtered and we'll see who's still hungry. -- Nick, Toronto
You're Not A Man
What We Hear: "Real men eat meat!" The Comeback: This is misinformed and sexist. Men -- people -- can be whoever they want and I still weight-lift, listen to metal, have a girlfriend and sport a mean lumberjack beard. I can afford to eat a salad or two. -- Josh, Toronto
#2 Must Be Awesome
What We Hear: "You must be very regular." The Comeback: Uh. Sure. I just met you. Not sure if I want to discuss my bowel movement frequency with you. -- Anjali, Toronto
They Will Take Over
What We Hear: 'If we don't eat them they will take over the world." The Comeback: That is my personal favourite...as if farm animals are running around fornicating freely. -- Lynda, Montreal
We Never Eat Out
What We Hear: "What do you eat at restaurants?." The Comeback: Food. What do you eat? -- Anita, Toronto
Can I Still Eat Meat?
What We Hear: "Oh, but do you mind if I order meat?" The Comeback: "I don't care what you do with your life." -- Roop, London, U.K.
But They Are Made Of Meat...
What We Hear: "If animals weren't meant to be eaten, why are they made of meat?" The Comeback: Other than wanting to trip [my co-worker] as he walks away, I'm dying to say, "People are made of meat too, so why don't you go home and gobble up your wife and kids for dinner and let me know how you feel?" -- Cindy, Ottawa
Parents In Panic
What We Hear: "How do your parents feel about that choice?” The Comeback: I used to get that as a teenager a lot. It made me laugh because I would reply – they feel great about it, they’re vegetarian too. -- Shachi, Vancouver
Nutrition! Nutrition!
What We Hear: "You need protein to live!" The Comeback: 100 calories of ground beef has 4 grams of protein. 100 calories of spinach has 13 grams. Bye. -- Dana, Vancouver
But Bacon?
What We Hear: "What about bacon?" The Comeback: I realize the Internet is losing its mind about bacon right now, but I do not feel like something is missing in my life because I can't eat bacon-infused ice cream or some other unholy combination. -- Steph, Toronto
Life Must Suck
What We Hear: "I feel so sorry for you." The Comeback: Don't feel sorry for me ... I chose this lifestyle.
Nothing Left To Eat
What We Hear: "Then what do you eat?" The Comeback: Um, food that doesn't have parents? -- Anjali, Toronto
We Make Friends With Salad
What We Hear: "You must eat a lot of salad?" The Comeback: Yes, I'm basically a rabbit and all I eat is lettuce. Seriously – there's more to being a vegetarian than a bowl of lettuce. -- Anita, Toronto
Pay Attention To Me!
What We Hear: "That’s great! I barely eat any red meat/meat/animal products any more.” The Comeback: The minute you tell someone you don’t eat meat or fish, they’ll tell you how they’re “really cutting back” on the amount of meat they eat. In a way it’s sweet that they are finding common ground or identifying with your choice, but I always get the sense they feel the need to tell me and I just don't care. -- Shachi, Vancouver
But What About This?
What We Hear: "So you don't eat bread or pasta?" The Comeback: Dude, most bread and pasta are vegan. It amazes me how much people don't know what their food is made of. -- Valerie, Montreal
Ew, Tofu
What We Hear: "Tofu is so disgusting!" The Comeback: So is the bloody, tendon-filled carcass of a dead animal. -- Dana, Vancouver
But It Tastes So Good!
What We Hear: "But how can you resist eating! meat? It's so tasty!" The Comeback: It isn't the meat that's tasty, it's the marination. That usually makes them wonder and shuts them up. -- Pri, Toronto
I Can't Do It!
What We Hear: "I could never go vegan - what about cheese?" The Comeback: What about baby cows? -- Chris, Windsor, Ont.
It's Okay, You Can Still Eat Seafood
What We Hear: "You eat fish, right?" The Comeback: I don't eat things with faces or mothers. Since when did fish become plants? -- Steph, Toronto
WE ARE SO ANGRY
What We Hear: "Oh you're vegetarian? Are you one of those angry ones?" The Comeback: No, I get angry when people ask me stupid questions. -- Sarah, Mississauga, Ont.
I Dare You
What We Hear: "So you've never had meat!? Why don't you try it? The Comeback: No. I never did and I never will. Stop asking. -- Pri, Toronto
Oh, Because You're Indian
What We Hear: "Are you vegetarian because you are Indian?" The Comeback: My mom makes the world's meanest butter chicken (arguably of course) and my dad tries to get me to eat it every time she makes it. Not all Indians are vegetarian/Hindu/cow worshiping. -- Roop, London, U.K.
Just A Phase
What We Hear: "Are you still doing that?" The Comeback: Yes, I am, and no, it's not just a phase. I'm so sorry it's such an inconvenience to you. I guess you're still asking stupid questions? -- Steph, Toronto
You're Golden
What We Hear: "Oh vegetarian? Nice. Good for you!" The Comeback: Good for me? Yes, I know eating a healthy lifestyle is good for me, but don't make me feel like I deserve a good medal for not eating bacon.
What We Hear: "You don't look vegetarian." The Comeback: The assumption here is if you are vegetarian, you should be skinny because of all the steak and Big Macs you're missing out on. Not quite. My one-year old calls me the cookie monster for a reason. -- Anjali, Toronto
I Have A Joke For You
What We Hear: "Ha! But you eat animal crackers, right? The Comeback: You're not funny and this joke wasn't funny when I was 12, either.
Life Must Be Hard
What We Hear: "So, you're vegan, what do you eat?" The Comeback: But what do you EAT? Just meats and starches? Isn't that restricting?" -- Monica, Ottawa
So Why Are You Eating A Burger?
What We Hear: "How can you eat fake meat?" The Comeback: Why does it matter if my burger isn't made of meat? I don't know why we all can't just eat our burgers and be happy. -- Sam, Mississauga, Ont.
Your Food Is Weird
What We Hear: "Vegan food is weird?" The Comeback: Our food is weird? You eat the butt of a pig with blood and skin, now that's weird! -- Kelly, Ottawa
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![<strong>What We Hear:</strong> "If animals weren't meant to be eaten, why are they made of meat?" <strong>The Comeback:</strong> Other than wanting to trip [my co-worker] as he walks away, I'm dying to say, "People are made of meat too, so why don't you go home and gobble up your wife and kids for dinner and let me know how you feel?" -- Cindy, Ottawa](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B_Vc8Nn7aIv0aWgKF5uaxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5bb155b4260000cf0081853b.jpg)
