The written reasons in the case of Casamitjana Costa v The League Against Cruel Sports are now available.
An Employment Tribunal found that ethical veganism was a protected belief under the Equality Act 2010. It is very clear from the Tribunal’s written reasons that Mr Costa is not simply following a vegan diet but adopts a complete lifestyle which may be regarded as somewhat extreme in society. For example, he will not allow non-vegan food in his house, won’t socialise with non-vegans, won’t wear any clothes or shoes made from animal products and will avoid taking public transport where walking would take under an hour, in case of accidental crashes with birds or insects. The Judge found it “easy to conclude… that there is overwhelming evidence before me that ethical veganism is capable of being a philosophical belief and thus a protected characteristic”.
However, it is worth remembering that this case is not binding in any other court or tribunal and seems to turn on the relatively unusual facts involved in this case.
