MAIL ONLINE: Vegans, teetotallers and atheists are to be given the same protection against discrimination as religious groups, under Harriet Harman's controversial new equality laws.
People who do not eat products and refuse to wear leather have been singled out for inclusion under the new legislation by Labour's super-quango - the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.
Official guidance issued by the body points out that the 'ethical commitment' of vegan's to animal welfare is 'central to who they are'.
The code of practice explains the legal implications of the equality bill states that religions need not be mainstream or well known for their adherents to gain protection.
The Equality Bill, masterminded by Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman*, is due to come into force this Autumn.
It makes it a legal requirement for public authorities, including schools, to consider the impact of all their policies on minority groups.
But the guidance explains: “A belief need not include faith or worship of a god or gods, but must affect how a person lives their life or perceives the world.” >>> Kirsty Walker | Monday, March 08, 2010
*Harman appears to be a card-carrying member of the SEG. (SEG = Social Engineering Gestapo)
