Veganism could be considered a protected belief in Britain

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Ethical veganism could be considered a religion in Britain in a landmark employment tribunal, giving vegans the same rights as people of faiths.

Jordi Casamitjana claims he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports after raising concerns that its pension fund was invested into companies involved in animal testing.

He claims the decision to dismiss him was because of his philosophical belief in ethical veganism.

Unlike dietary vegans who eat a plant-based diet, ethical vegans do not eat, wear or consume any animal products, or products that are tested on animals.

Casamitjana, a zoologist, has practiced veganism for more than 17 years.

Jordi Casamitjana wants ethical veganism to be considered a philosophical or religious belief. /Photo via Instagram

Casamitjana's employment tribunal is now set to decide if veganism should be treated in a similar way to religious belief.

His lawyers will make the case under the Equality Act 2010, on the grounds that he was discriminated against as an ethical vegan.

The tribunal must first decide if veganism comes under the Equality Act 2010.

Under the act, requirements for something to be classed as a philosophical or religious belief include being worthy of respect in a democratic society, not being incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with fundamental rights of others.

Campaigners have argued that veganism "is more than just a lifestyle choice."

A woman carries a vegan hamburger at the "Vegan Fest" fair in Ramat Gan, Israel, October 13, 2014. /VCG Photo

A spokesperson for the league said the charity "emphatically rejects" the claim that Casamitjana was sacked for his views, British media reported.

The hearing is scheduled for March.

More than half a million people in the UK follow a vegan diet, according to the Vegan Society. There are three and a half times as many vegans as there were in 2006, making it the fastest growing lifestyle movement.

(Top image: Customers and staff are seen at a restaurant marked as "vegan-friendly." /VCG photo)