Vegan Rights

Vegans now receive workplace discrimination protection under UK law, due to a recently released code of practice explaining the legal implications of a 2009 equality bill. The code, drafted by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, clarifies that in order to receive protection, beliefs do not need to include faith or worship of god/gods. It specifically mentions vegans, and explains that they warrant protection because the “ethical commitment to animal welfare” is central to who they are. Codes of practice are used to provide guidance about how to enforce legislation—in this case, the equality bill backed by Equalities Minister Harriet Harman.