In a landmark legal case, a judge just ruled that vegans are protected under UK law. YES!
Jordi Casamitjana, a UK resident, claimed he was fired by his employer because he informed his co-workers that their pension fund was “being invested in companies that experiment on animals” and other non-ethical funds.
In order to win his case, his lawyers proved that veganism is more than simply an “opinion.”
The judge stated that he was “satisfied overwhelmingly” that ethical veganism meets the criteria of the UK Equality Act, establishing it as a philosophical belief, rather than just an opinion – and vegans must be protected under the law.
As a philosophical belief, veganism now joins the other nine “protected characteristics” which include sexuality, race, pregnancy & maternity, and sex – making it unlawful for employers to discriminate against you based on your vegan beliefs.
This is a tremendous legal victory for people – and the animals – in the UK!! You can no longer fire someone just because you don’t like that they’re vegan. Vegans were not a protected class – and now they are! Thank you Jordi Casamitjana! Here’s hoping laws that protect vegans – and animals – expand worldwide!
Jackie Day, vegan for 32+ years and author of the bestseller The Vegan Way: 21 Days to a Happier, Healthier Plant-Based Lifestyle That Will Transform Your Home, Your Diet, and You (St. Martin’s Press / Macmillan).
