An employee's belief in the sanctity of life, comprising a belief in anti-fox hunting and anti-hare coursing (as well as veganism and environmentalism), could constitute a philosophical belief capable of protection under discrimination law, according to an employment tribunal.

The case is very much dependent on its facts and does not mean that all opponents of fox-hunting or animal rights activists will be protected. The claimant here went to some lengths to attempt to live by his belief in the sanctity of all life. (Hashman v Milton Park (Dorset) Ltd t/a Orchard Park, ET)

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