Activist who refuses to sit on leather sofas or use buses in case they hit an insect in landmark battle to have ethical veganism recognised as a religion after the League Against Cruel Sports ‘sacked him over his beliefs’
- Jordi Casamitjana wants ethical veganism protected under the Equality Act 2010
- Mr Casamitjana’s legal battle began last year after he was sacked from his job
- Lawyers will compare veganism to religious evangelism as one of its arguments
An activist who refuses to sit on leather sofas or use buses in case they hit insects is embarking on a landmark battle to have ethical veganism recognised as a religion.
Jordi Casamitjana doesn’t date people who aren’t vegans and won’t allow any animal products into his home.
The zoologist and animal rights activist is now fighting a legal battle to get ethical veganism added to a list of beliefs protected under the Equality Act 2010.
Mr Casamitjana’s legal battle began last year after he was sacked from his job with the League Against Cruel Sports after disclosing to other employees that its pension funds invested in firms involved in animal testing.
Jordi Casamitjana, pictured, is bringing a case to have ethical veganism recognised as a protected belief under the Equality Act after saying he was sacked because of his veganism
He claims he was sacked as a result of his ethical vegan beliefs.
The organisation has rejected his claims, previously saying that he was dismissed for gross misconduct.
The allegations will be dealt with separately in another employment tribunal hearing later next year.
The campaigner is originally from Catalonia, but has lived in the UK for 26 years.
The Equality Act protects people against workplace discrimination based on characteristics including age, disability and religion.
It also protect ‘philosophical beliefs’ which are ‘cogent, serious and apply to an important aspect of human life’ without impacting other people’s rights – but veganism has not been tested under the law in its current form.
According to the Mirror, his lawyers will compare veganism to religious evangelism as one of its key arguments at the employment tribunal pre-hearing on January 2.
The campaigner is originally from Catalonia, but has lived in the UK for 26 years. He doesn’t date people who aren’t vegans and won’t allow any animal products into his home
They will reportedly highlight the movement’s tendency to try to convert others to the lifestyle and present Jordi’s receipts for vegan shoes and aftershave to prove it is more than just a diet.
Mr Casamitjana says that he played a role in the campaign that led to the ban on bullfighting in his home region of Catalonia, Spain.
Casamitjana’s law firm, Slater and Gordon, believes the case could prove to be a watershed.
Solicitor Peter Daly, who is acting for Mr Casamitjana, said ethical veganism ‘comfortably’ met the tests to be considered a protected belief.
He said: ‘Ethical veganism is more than simply a dietary choice.
‘It is a particular and well-defined philosophical view about the relationship between humans and animals. It is based on well-considered and substantial philosophical thinking.’
According to polls quoted by the Vegan Society, the number of vegans in Britain has quadrupled since 2014, increasing from 150,000 to 600,000.