My cookie preferences“Tell Me Who You Harm and I Will Tell You What You Are”: Ethical Veganism as a Philosophical Belief Protected Under the British Equality Act 2010
Constantin S
Ethical veganism is based on the ancient concept of Ahimsa (meaning “do no harm”), which is the central tenet of Jainism and an important ethical principle in Buddhism and Hinduism. The Vegan Society defines ethical veganism as “[a] philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude – as far as is possible and practicable – all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.” (Casamitjana 2020). In 1993, the European Commission found that “the Vegan convictions with regard to animal products” fall within the scope of Article 9(1) of the ECHR (see W. v. the United Kingdom, App no 18187/91, 10 February 1993). In a British court case nearly 30 years later, a decision was made on whether ethical veganism, a belief in avoiding all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, qualified as a philosophical belief and was therefore protected by British equality law.
DOI: 10.48509/CUREDI060UK002
