In Britain, ethically motivated veganism has the status of a philosophical worldview and is therefore protected from the principle of non-discrimination. This was decided by a labor court in Norwich, eastern England.
Jordi Casamitjana had sued. The 55-year-old had stated that his former employer had fired him because of his conviction. The charity League Against Cruel Sports contradicts this. The termination was due to gross misconduct.
"I am an ethical vegan. It involves a lot more than not eating foods with animal ingredients. It is a philosophy and belief that covers most aspects of my life," said Jordi Casamitjana, according to a statement from his lawyers.
The court now followed this argument. Philosophical beliefs are protected by the 2010 UK Equality Act, which aims to prevent discrimination based on religion or other deeply rooted beliefs of a person.
Criticism of the employer's pension fund
For a belief to be considered as such, it must relate to an "important aspect of human life" and "deserve respect in a democratic society". That was the case with ethical veganism, the court decided. It was decisive for the judgment that Casamitjana not only has a vegan diet, but also, for example, does not use animal materials in his clothing.
Casamitjana said he had lost his job because he had criticized his employer's pension fund. In his view, he has invested in companies that are involved in animal experiments. According to his former employer, the animal protection organization League Against Cruel Sports, that was not the reason for the dismissal.
After the fundamental decision, the court must later decide whether the employer has discriminated against the vegan because of his convictions.
He was "extremely happy," said Casamitjana after the verdict was pronounced. "Better protection means more vegans can be more open about their beliefs."