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Vegan “Hate Crimes” Reportedly Rising

by Alix Coe | August 10, 2020

The number of crimes committed against vegans because of their animal-friendly beliefs is rising in the UK.

Over the past five years, 172 crimes have reportedly been committed against people relating directly to veganism. 55 of those crimes took place last year, with only nine happening in 2015.

With the rise of vegan-related crimes, a number of people are calling for tougher discrimination laws to be imposed, so that these incidents are prosecuted as hate crimes.

Figures show that approximately 600,000 people in the UK follow a vegan diet, up from just 150,000 six years ago.

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Vegan Hate Crimes

In a landmark ruling earlier this year, a UK judge determined that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief, and is therefore protected by law.

The change came after ethical vegan Jordi Casamitjana lost his job at The League Against Cruel Sports. Casamitjana was fired after voicing concerns that his employer was investing pension funds in companies involved in animal testing.

Under provisions set out in the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal to discriminate against people who hold a protected belief — such as ethical veganism.

“Definitely, veganism is a philosophical belief,” said Casamitjana, “and when you look at my life and anybody else’s life who is an ethical vegan, you will see it.”

Are you surprised at the rate of crimes against vegans? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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