Ontario Officials Rule Veganism is a Human Right Legally Protected from Discrimination

I think this is awesome. I know it's going to mean a big change at my school that doesn't offer any valid vegetarian or vegan options. There is a big connection with religion but not in the way you mean I think, that many Muslim and Hindu people I've met eat vegetarian or don't eat meat they don't cook themselves.

The cultishness of freelee and raw veganism aside, I think that most actual vegetarian & vegan people are reasonable. I'm not sure what your concern is with diets being like religions. Or how it has anything to do with being a protected group. Unless you mean only religious groups should be protected? Which never has been the case.

I don't really see ethical veganism to be a diet like paleo or low-carb. It is an ethical attitude that goes well beyond diet. (I'm not vegan, don't plan to ever be.)

However - does this need a particular protection beyond what is classically provided? Aren't vegetarian meals already part of the what you can get at ANY hospital or school?

Don't see an issue with this ruling but wouldn't have thought it was necessary either.

"The definition of “creed” in Ontario’s Human Rights Code has been modified to include ethical veganism."

I thought California usually led the way with this sort of thing.

sure does - http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CONS&sectionNum=SEC. 8.&highlight=true&keyword=creed

yarwell wrote: »

sure does - http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CONS&sectionNum=SEC. 8.&highlight=true&keyword=creed

That's use of the word creed. The definition is listed as

beliefs, observances, or practices which an individual sincerely holds and which occupy in his or her life a place of importance parallel to that of traditionally recognized religions.

EvgeniZyntx wrote: »

I don't really see ethical veganism to be a diet like paleo or low-carb. It is an ethical attitude that goes well beyond diet. (I'm not vegan, don't plan to ever be.)

However - does this need a particular protection beyond what is classically provided? Aren't vegetarian meals already part of the what you can get at ANY hospital or school?

Don't see an issue with this ruling but wouldn't have thought it was necessary either.

I agree that ethical veganism /= paleo, etc.

Vegetarian meals /= vegan meals. For example, many vegetarian meals include cheese.

I think it's ridiculous to be honest. If they're going to grant that to vegetarians then grant it to anyone who chooses to eat a certain diet regardless of whether or not it's a 'religious' belief. Seriously, when will the new laws "protecting" people end?

I think they should pass a law that "protects" those people who are gluten free and force schools and other places to offer gluten free meals and to cook in a gluten free manner for those who have a gluten intolerance. Maybe I should throw a temper tantrum the next time I'm out and get a law passed.

myfelinepal wrote: »

Is it completely necessary?

Are people holding down vegans and forcefeeding them honey?

Are vegans forced to sit at the back of the bus?

In the US, some people in prison do not have access to vegan meals. I'm not sure what the situation is in Canada.

BecomingBane wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

@janejellyroll @BecomingBane thought you guys might want to comment.

I find it interesting, and if it carries over to other countries, it'd make some things easier such as shopping for food or clothing. But, I'm not holding my breath for this to carry over to the US where I live.

I have long held that my choice was a "religious" one and have explained it as such for many years, but my decision was based on the concept of sanctity of all life and not many peoples are... or seem to be in the current society of fad veganism for weight loss. I think it would be very difficult to legislate the difference in many cases.

I see lots of arguments online, here and other places that seem to equate ethical veganism to paleo, etc... and I could see that comparison for people who were doing it strictly for dietary reasons... but ethical veganism is a different story, imo.

I know several ethical vegans, and many who do it for fad reasons... but I've never met an ethical paleo person. Not up to me to decide whether that exists or not... but I've yet to meet anyone who ate paleo (or any other diet for that matter... not meaning to pick on paleo people) for religious or spiritual reasons.

I have met some people who, basically, eat a paleo-style diet for reasons that they would describe as ethical -- objection to modern agricultural practices (or objection to agriculture, period), anti-consumerism, etc. But to put it in context, these people aren't the ones who are ordering grass-fed burgers without a bun at the local Red Robin -- they're actually hunting their own meat, growing vegetables, actually opting out of the system that they object to. In that sense, I would say that an ethical "paleo" is possible if it's the expression of certain objections.

If you just think that your body runs better without grains, dairy, and refined sugars, I wouldn't consider that an ethical position.

janejellyroll wrote: »

BecomingBane wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

@janejellyroll @BecomingBane thought you guys might want to comment.

I find it interesting, and if it carries over to other countries, it'd make some things easier such as shopping for food or clothing. But, I'm not holding my breath for this to carry over to the US where I live.

I have long held that my choice was a "religious" one and have explained it as such for many years, but my decision was based on the concept of sanctity of all life and not many peoples are... or seem to be in the current society of fad veganism for weight loss. I think it would be very difficult to legislate the difference in many cases.

I see lots of arguments online, here and other places that seem to equate ethical veganism to paleo, etc... and I could see that comparison for people who were doing it strictly for dietary reasons... but ethical veganism is a different story, imo.

I know several ethical vegans, and many who do it for fad reasons... but I've never met an ethical paleo person. Not up to me to decide whether that exists or not... but I've yet to meet anyone who ate paleo (or any other diet for that matter... not meaning to pick on paleo people) for religious or spiritual reasons.

I have met some people who, basically, eat a paleo-style diet for reasons that they would describe as ethical -- objection to modern agricultural practices (or objection to agriculture, period), anti-consumerism, etc. But to put it in context, these people aren't the ones who are ordering grass-fed burgers without a bun at the local Red Robin -- they're actually hunting their own meat, growing vegetables, actually opting out of the system that they object to. In that sense, I would say that an ethical "paleo" is possible if it's the expression of certain objections.

If you just think that your body runs better without grains, dairy, and refined sugars, I wouldn't consider that an ethical position.

I would definitely agree with that stance and that cause. Come to think of it, I know similar people. They refer to themselves as "Heathens" and live off the grid in all ways possible. Their stance is that society has failed them and they are thus forming their own. I can get behind that provided it doesn't harm others, and their method doesn't seem to. Their community is full of people of varying skills and crafts and they barter for all that they need amongst themselves... that which they can't obtain, they sell goods for.

besaro wrote: »

this will not end well

This policy or this thread?

I wish I could have pulled the vegan card during pig dissection. Good for the people who will benefit from it.

forwardmoving wrote: »

janejellyroll wrote: »

Last_mango_in_paradise wrote: »

I think it's ridiculous to be honest. If they're going to grant that to vegetarians then grant it to anyone who chooses to eat a certain diet regardless of whether or not it's a 'religious' belief. Seriously, when will the new laws "protecting" people end?

I think they should pass a law that "protects" those people who are gluten free and force schools and other places to offer gluten free meals and to cook in a gluten free manner for those who have a gluten intolerance. Maybe I should throw a temper tantrum the next time I'm out and get a law passed.

What this new policy recognizes is that veganism isn't a diet. It's an ethical position on animal exploitation. It happens to be very easy to notice when observing an individual's diet, but let's not over-simplify.

It's a decision made on a specific belief (i.e. it's wrong to exploit animals).
But then, do we not need to respect other beliefs without getting into a debating whether or not the belief is true? Are hospitals and other institutions obligated to provide Kosher or Halal food to those who hold a different set of beliefs whether or not we think the restrictions are necessary?

Yes. They are.

I guess I do believe it is a good thing in some ways. But how many vegans are ethical vegans compared to those just dieting? How long do you have to be an ethical vegan before you are allowed special rights? And if it's considered to be religious how do you prove your veganism?what institutions are you a member of that show your ethical veganism to an outside source or governing body that gives you access to special privileges?

FunkyTobias wrote: »

myfelinepal wrote: »

forwardmoving wrote: »

janejellyroll wrote: »

Last_mango_in_paradise wrote: »

I think it's ridiculous to be honest. If they're going to grant that to vegetarians then grant it to anyone who chooses to eat a certain diet regardless of whether or not it's a 'religious' belief. Seriously, when will the new laws "protecting" people end?

I think they should pass a law that "protects" those people who are gluten free and force schools and other places to offer gluten free meals and to cook in a gluten free manner for those who have a gluten intolerance. Maybe I should throw a temper tantrum the next time I'm out and get a law passed.

What this new policy recognizes is that veganism isn't a diet. It's an ethical position on animal exploitation. It happens to be very easy to notice when observing an individual's diet, but let's not over-simplify.

It's a decision made on a specific belief (i.e. it's wrong to exploit animals).
But then, do we not need to respect other beliefs without getting into a debating whether or not the belief is true? Are hospitals and other institutions obligated to provide Kosher or Halal food to those who hold a different set of beliefs whether or not we think the restrictions are necessary?

Yes. They are.

I guess I do believe it is a good thing in some ways. But how many vegans are ethical vegans compared to those just dieting? How long do you have to be an ethical vegan before you are allowed special rights? And if it's considered to be religious how do you prove your veganism?what institutions are you a member of that show your ethical veganism to an outside source or governing body that gives you access to special privileges?

One does not not have to prove they are an orthodox Jew to get a kosher meal. Why should this be any different?

Entirely true. All of my kosher jewish friends are provided that respect out of courtesy and all they have to do is ask... and all but one of them do it nicely... the other is just an asshat, lol. I respect all of my friends beliefs and dietary needs provided they inform me, and don't mind doing it... most restaurants are the same and are happy to oblige. I can't imagine why anyone would get bent out of shape about it.

I've even talked to chefs at some of the restaurants to tell them that I appreciate their efforts and usually they tell me they don't mind at all, and actually enjoyed the "challenge" of creating something new or different than what they usually prepare (note: I never ask for something not on the menu... I usually ask if there are any vegan options and the waitress and the chef confer and offer me something, whether a variation of something on the menu, or some combination of already prepped ingredients in a unique dish... I would never be disrespectful of the chef because, having been one, I know how difficult it is to please those difficult customers. The macros are usually crap but I'm not going to fuss if I'm out with non-vegan friends and they go to a restaurant... I'm just going to go along and be social and do the best I can with what's available.)

Silly silly silly!!! I sense a lot of more silly rulings coming from this......omg when's it going to end!