Discrimination against Vegans

Introduction

Veganism, according to The Vegan Society ‘is a 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.’ Despite being a rising dietary trend in the West, and similar principles, although with certain exceptions, underly world religions, such as Hinduism, where most practitioners are lacto-vegetarians, vegans are often discriminated against.

Issues

- The UN has advocated vegan diets to limit the effects of climate change. - The UK gives vegans the same legal rights as religious believers, and courts in the USA might be

making similar moves. - Anti-vegan rhetoric is still socially acceptable, and major news corporations continue to propagate

this hate-speech. - Vegan traditions, or ideals, are present in denominations of world religions such as Buddhism and

Hinduism.

Possible Solutions

- UN Committee to provide specific protection for vegans. - Enshrining vegans as a protected group under international law.

Suggested Reading

http://www.theivra.com/intlaw.html

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/human-rights-act/article-9-freedom-thought-belief-and-religion

https://verdict.justia.com/2013/03/06/is-veganism-a-religion-under-anti-discrimination-law

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jun/02/un-report-meat-free-diet

https://www.thelawyer.com/vegan-rights-uk/

https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/minorities.aspx

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/channel-4-veganuary-post-instagram_uk_5a65950ee4b002283004287a

https://www.plantbasednews.org/post/major-survey-reveals-extent-of-discrimination-against-vegans