The rights of vegan humans

[Tim Gier]

Presentation on Vegan Creeds to a Policy Conference

David Sztybel, philosopher, vegan and and longtime advocate for other animals announces: "I have just been invited to present at a joint conference of the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Osgoode Hall Law School on creed and rights. I will be arguing that vegans deserve to be acknowledged as observing a creed or religion for legal purposes."

David believes that it is an important sign of progress that the rights of vegans are being considered. I agree with him. What do you think? 

Please David's entire (short) blog entry on the subject and add you comments below.

[Coleen Tew]

The word religion can have negative connotations to the general public; however, to a court of law religion would be any objective that is attended to with conscientious devotion. As David says "This is significant in contexts such as vegans being served appropriate meals in hospitals and prisons, or having the right not to participate in vivisection or dissection at educational institutions." I think it is a step in the right direction.

[Coleen Tew]

I know what you mean Roger- I am no fan of religion. I wish there was a better designation. To be honest, just calling myself a vegan gets me plenty of quizzical looks and eye rolls. 

[Kerry Baker]

I can see why there would be concerns, but I don't really have any objection to this.  Buddhism is regarded as a religion but is a way of life rather than the traditional view of religion being around worship of a God.  Anybody can be Buddhist, including atheists and members of other religions although Buddhists admittedly tend to be an identified community.  If treated in a similar way to Buddhism, I think that the notion of veganism being regarded as a religion in the sense that it's a way of life will empower vegan issues to be addressed like food labeling etc, just as kosher food is labelled. My only caution is that vegans are already seen as extreme, and I'd not like us to end up being misrepresented as a cult or something, although I think that would be highly unlikely.

[red dog]

I agree that this is a step forward. Think about how many people get wrong information and unhelpful advice from doctors and hospitals--if the Human Rights Commission recognizes veganism as a legitimate "creed," those people will be forced to educate themselves and accommodate vegan beliefs whether they like it or not. Vegan students will have to be accommodated in dormitories.

Also, this step wouldn't make veganism a religion--the laws say "religion OR creed," meaning they go further than just religious beliefs. I'm sure atheists are protected under the same laws and can sue employers that constantly try to force religion on them.

[olly stearn]

veganism is a protected belief in the uk meaning that vegans over here (woop) have the right to expect consideration in public places. yay. i think it is an good step but its importance shouldent be over stated. i wonder to what extent it is just the expansion, or show expansion, of liberalism. but a good thing, if nothing else a good oportunity to talk about veganism. :)