Is veganism a religion?
ETHICS
Short answer
No, but ethical veganism has been recognised as a protected philosophical belief in UK employment law (2020, Casamitjana ruling).
ETHICS
The detail
It is a philosophical and ethical position based on avoiding animal exploitation. In the UK, this qualifies for protection under the Equality Act 2010.
It is not a faith system; it makes no metaphysical claims. It is closer to consequentialist ethics applied to sentient beings.
A common counter-argument is that veganism is a 'cult,' but it is actually a logical extension of the common belief that we should not cause unnecessary harm. In the workplace, this means you may have the right to request vegan-friendly safety gear, such as non-leather boots, or plant-based meals at company events. This legal recognition highlights that ethical veganism is a deeply held conviction that shapes every aspect of a person’s life.
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More questions like this
- What's the difference between vegan and vegetarian?
Vegetarians avoid meat and fish but eat dairy and eggs. Vegans avoid all animal products — meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey — and typically avoid leather, wool and silk too.
- Why should I go vegan?
For the animals, your health, and the planet — three independently strong reasons that reinforce each other.
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