Ethical veganism is a philosophical belief and should be protected by law, an employment tribunal in Britain has ruled.
The landmark ruling there relates to the case of an "ethical vegan", who alleged he was sacked because of his views on animal products.
Jordi Casamitjana says he was dismissed by the League Against Cruel Sports after telling colleagues that its pension fund was being invested in companies involved in animal testing.
He claims the decision to fire him was because of his beliefs.
Dietary vegans and ethical vegans both eat a plant-based diet, but ethical vegans also avoid wearing clothing made of wool or leather and refrain from using products tested on animals.
For a belief to be protected under British law, it must meet a series of tests - including being worthy of respect in a democratic society, not being incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with fundamental rights of others.
The League Against Cruel Sports claims he was sacked for "gross misconduct".
Speaking outside of court, Mr Casamitjana said: "It was very important to win this ruling today because it's not just my case which is obviously important to me personally but... this case will influence the life of many vegans out there."
He added: "There will definitely be a positive outcome beyond me... It will help the promotion of veganism as a lifestyle because vegans who might be afraid about talking about their belief, that might be feeling that they are not welcome, they will feel empowered now.
"They will believe that their belief is now a protected belief... That will give them power and that means they will be more expressive."
Mr Casamitjana continued: "That expression will create more vegans, and more vegans will help more animals, and more for the environment and more for health. It will be a domino effect."
This hearing is not primarily about his dismissal, but about establishing ethical veganism as a philosophical belief.
A second hearing will be about his dismissal.
Mr Casamitjana, who is originally from Cataluña in Spain, had crowd-funded for his defence.
The vegan zoologist, who specialises in animal behaviour, had raised over stg£4,000 (€4,693).
He was represented by Slater and Gordon solicitors.
