What once simply began as a diet or food trend has now actually transformed into a legally-held belief, and one just can’t help wonder how and why.

Veganism, simply put, is a practice, a lifestyle, or just a way of food that involves complete abstinence of animals and all animal-based products, be it for health purposes or to show support to put an end to animal cruelty.

However, ever since its initiation, veganism has become a legal belief which now goes by the term ‘ethical veganism’. This philosophical belief is greatly protected by the law and strongly prevents discrimination against vegans.

How Did Veganism Turn Into a Philosophical, Legal Belief?

The major turning point for vegans was when an employment tribunal ruled and propagated that ethical veganism is protected by the law because it is a philosophical belief, and it needs to shield one from discrimination and uncalled-for judgments.

A vegan named ‘Jordi Casamitjana’ was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports mainly because he raised his concerns about how the pension fund of this animal welfare charity was being funded in numerous companies that promoted animal testing. He claimed that the sacking was done on unfair grounds, and while that claim wasn’t settled by the tribunal’s ruling, it did conduct a substantive hearing. According to the outcome of the hearing, ethical veganism meets all the requirements that are needed for it to be considered a philosophical belief.

Eventually, ethical veganism went on to become highly protected under the ‘Equality Act 2010’.

What Does the Law Entail?

An important thing to understand here is that in order for a certain belief or idea to be protected by this particular Equality Act, it has to meet some requirements and meet a series of tests. The criteria mainly include:

• Non-confliction with the fundamental rights of others
• Being worthy of respect in a democratic society
• Being compatible with human dignity

Judge Robin Postle, who made the ruling at the tribunal in Norwich, ruled in the hearing that ethical veganism successfully meets all these tests and, therefore, should be considered a philosophical belief, and it isn’t subject to any kind or form of discrimination.

Veganism vs. Ethical Veganism

There’s quite a fine line between ‘dietary veganism’ and ‘ethical veganism’ that also needs to be clarified here in the above context.

Dietary vegans are those who eat a plant-based diet and avoiding eating animals or any derived-products such as gelatin and honey.

On the other hand, ethical vegans also strictly follow a plant-based diet, but they also exclude all other forms and acts of animal exploitation and cruelty. This includes not using any product that is tested on animals, not supporting companies that promote animal testing and avoid wearing clothes that are made of animal-derived materials such as leather and wool.

Final Words

It is indeed very satisfying to know that vegans and veganism will now be given the due respect and recognition that they truly deserve. The Equality Act 2010 views ethical veganism as a secure characteristic that will also lead to great effects on factors like provision of goods and services, transport, workplace, etc.