Kara Sears
Veganism is a lifestyle that is gaining traction worldwide, and with it comes the question of whether vegans are protected by law. In Canada, the answer is yes, at least in Ontario. In 2016, the definition of creed in Ontario's Human Rights Code was updated to include non-religious beliefs such as ethical veganism, recognizing it as a form of creed deserving of respect. This means that service providers such as hospitals, schools, and employers cannot discriminate against vegans and must accommodate their requests, such as providing vegan meals or exempting students from animal dissection. While this is a step forward, it remains to be seen if other provinces in Canada will follow suit, and the impact of these legal protections for vegans in various sectors is yet to be fully understood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Ontario, Canada |
| Date | 2016 |
| Status | Legally recognized |
| Definition | The definition of "creed" in Ontario's Human Rights Code was modified to include non-religious beliefs such as ethical veganism |
| Implications | Service providers such as hospitals, schools, and employers may not discriminate against requests based on vegan ideals. |
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What You'll Learn
Veganism recognised as a human right in Ontario, Canada
In a landmark move, Ontario, Canada, has legally recognized veganism as a human right, paving the way for ethical and dietary vegans to be protected from discrimination. This development is the culmination of years of advocacy and legal efforts, with the Ontario Human Rights Commission leading the charge. The Commission's decision to include veganism under the umbrella of human rights sends a powerful message of inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs and lifestyles.
The recognition of veganism as a human right in Ontario carries significant implications for public services and educational institutions. Hospitals, for instance, are now mandated to provide vegan meal options for patients and accommodate requests based on vegan ideals. Similarly, schools must also ensure that their curricula and practices respect vegan beliefs, such as exempting vegan students from animal dissection activities.
The push for legal recognition began in 2011 when the Canadian animal-law organization Animal Justice initiated a campaign to include veganism under the same protections as religious belief systems. Led by Executive Director Camille Labchuk, the efforts bore fruit when the Ontario Human Rights Commission expanded the definition of "creed" in the province's Human Rights Code to encompass non-religious beliefs, specifically mentioning ethical veganism.
This expansion of the term "creed" to include secular belief systems and ideologies is a pivotal moment for vegans in Ontario and beyond. It underscores the province's commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of its citizens, regardless of their beliefs. The move has been applauded by vegan activists and animal rights advocates, who hope that other states and countries will emulate Ontario's progressive stance, fostering a more inclusive and vegan-friendly society.
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Veganism as a creed
In 2016, the definition of "creed" in Ontario, Canada's Human Rights Code, was modified to include non-religious beliefs such as ethical veganism. This was a result of the efforts of the Canadian animal-law organization Animal Justice, which began campaigning in 2011 to include veganism under the same protections as religious belief systems.
The executive director of Animal Justice, Camille Labchuk, successfully petitioned for the inclusion of secular belief systems and ideologies in the definition of "creed". Labchuk believes that recognizing veganism as a form of creed is an important precedent and a clear statement that vegans and their beliefs deserve respect. Under this expanded definition, service providers such as hospitals, schools, and employers may not discriminate against requests based on vegan ideals. For example, schools cannot force students to dissect animals, hospitals must provide vegan meals upon request, and employers cannot discriminate against workers who choose not to wear uniforms made from animal products.
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario has expressed positive feedback about expanding the definition of creed to include "a political perspective ... made up of a recognizable cohesive belief system or structure." This decision gives hope that other states and countries will follow suit, leading to more vegan-friendly public services and educational systems.
While veganism is now legally recognized as a creed in Ontario, Canada, it is not yet clear if this recognition extends to other provinces or territories in the country. There may be case law in Ontario that suggests that vegan beliefs could be protected, but there has not yet been a definitive ruling on the issue.
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Veganism in hospitals
While there is no clear answer to whether vegans are protected by law in Canada, veganism has been found to come within the scope of international human rights provisions. In the UK, vegans are protected under human rights and equality law, which means that hospitals have an obligation to ensure that they do not interfere with a vegan's right to freedom of conscience and a responsibility to avoid any discrimination on the grounds of veganism under the Equality Act 2010.
In Canada, the Vegan Society believes that veganism is protected by Canadian human rights law and that individuals should not be forced to eat meat, dairy, and eggs in public institutions. The Vegan Society of Canada has also stated that local communities are often willing to help by providing vegan meals to those in the hospital. However, they acknowledge that people still face problems with these issues. A Toronto law school graduate, Camille Labchuck, has argued before the Ontario Human Rights Commission that veganism should be protected under human rights legislation as a "creed" under the Ontario Human Rights Code, which prohibits discrimination based on creed or religion. The exact definition of "creed" under this legislation is unclear, but Labchuck argues that individuals, such as hospital patients, should have the right to live a vegan lifestyle and that denying vegan meal requests could be considered discrimination.
A survey by the Vegan Society found that Canadian vegans often face challenges in hospitals and other public institutions. Many respondents reported being served non-vegan items even after requesting vegan food, indicating a lack of understanding of veganism among medical professionals. The survey also highlighted the need for policies that protect vegans' rights to avoid exploiting non-human animals and the development of suitable vegan food options in hospitals.
To address these concerns, the Vegan Society is campaigning for good vegan food on every public sector menu, including in hospitals. They provide resources to help individuals explain their rights to hospitals and assert their obligation to respect veganism as a philosophical belief. Additionally, the society encourages hospitals to offer a variety of balanced vegan meals, emphasizing that these options can be enjoyed by most people, regardless of their dietary preferences.
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Veganism in schools
While there is no clear ruling on whether veganism is protected by law in Canada, there are sources that suggest it is. The Vegan Society of Canada, for instance, believes that veganism is protected by Canadian human rights law. They state that vegans are not only entitled to basic respect from colleagues, bosses, and peers but also should not be forced to eat meat, dairy, and eggs in public institutions. This includes schools.
In 2012, a Toronto law school graduate, Camille Labchuck, argued before the Ontario Human Rights Commission that veganism should be a human right. Labchuck argued that if a request for a vegan or vegetarian meal is denied, a person could claim discrimination. The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination based on creed or religion, and Labchuck asserted that the right to live a vegan lifestyle is a right that all people should have.
In the UK, ethical veganism is protected by law as a philosophical belief. This was established in a 2020 ruling by a tribunal in Norwich, which found that ethical veganism satisfied the tests required for protection under the Equality Act 2010. This ruling has had a significant impact on various institutions, including schools, as they now must give due regard to the needs of vegan students and staff.
In Italy, a similar ruling was made in favor of a vegan teacher who sued her local municipality for failing to provide vegan options in her school's canteen. As a result, the Italian Ministry of Education issued guidance to all schools, guaranteeing that all vegan students and teachers would have access to vegan food without the need for a medical certificate.
These legal developments have empowered vegans to advocate for their rights in schools. For example, a vegan student in the UK successfully lobbied her college to allow her to skip a farming module that included a trip to a slaughterhouse. Similarly, parents have fought for vegan options in their children's schools, with some even getting soy and oat milk included in the fridge. These examples demonstrate that while there may be no explicit law protecting vegans in Canadian schools, the legal recognition of veganism as a protected belief in other countries is inspiring similar change and empowering individuals to stand up for their rights.
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Veganism in the workplace
In Canada, veganism is now legally recognized in Ontario. In 2016, the definition of "creed" in Ontario's Human Rights Code was modified to include non-religious beliefs such as ethical veganism. This means that vegans in Ontario are protected from discrimination under the law and are entitled to similar legal protections in the workplace as those who hold religious beliefs.
The recognition of veganism as a protected characteristic has several implications for the workplace. Employers must ensure they do not discriminate against vegan employees and should make reasonable accommodations for their beliefs. This could include providing vegan meal options, accommodating requests to not wear uniforms made from animal products, and respecting an employee's refusal to handle or sell animal products.
For example, a worker in a supermarket may refuse to put meat products through the till, and their employer would be required to accommodate this belief. Similarly, a vegan employee may request to not be involved in any work-related activities that involve animal testing or consumption of animal products. Employers should also be mindful of any abuse or harassment directed at vegan employees, as this could be considered discriminatory.
While the recognition of veganism as a protected belief is a significant step forward, it is important to note that this may prove challenging for some businesses. Employers should be prepared to make reasonable accommodations for vegan employees and ensure they are treated with respect and dignity in the workplace. By doing so, they can create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, regardless of their beliefs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, veganism is legally recognized in Ontario, Canada.
Service providers such as hospitals, schools, and employers may not discriminate against requests based on vegan ideals. For example, schools cannot obligate students to dissect animals, hospitals must provide vegan meals upon request, and employers cannot discriminate against workers who choose not to wear animal-product-based uniforms.
The definition of "creed" in Ontario, Canada's Human Rights Code includes non-religious beliefs such as ethical veganism.
Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, successfully petitioned the Ontario Human Rights Commission to include secular belief systems and ideologies in the definition of "creed".
Labchuk believes that "recognizing veganism as a form of creed is an important precedent and a clear statement that vegans and their beliefs deserve respect."
