Jeanette Rowley - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Books by Jeanette Rowley

Seeds of Change The International Vegan Rights Alliance and the Vegan Rights Revolution

Seeds of Change The International Vegan Rights Alliance and the Vegan Rights Revolution, 2024

Seeds of Change: The International Vegan Rights Alliance and the Vegan Rights Revolution emphasiz... more Seeds of Change: The International Vegan Rights Alliance and the Vegan Rights Revolution emphasizes that the legal protection of vegans is important to the campaign for animal protection. It explains the social, political, and legal context for the practice of veganism. This book documents the history of the campaign for vegan rights, the dedicated work of the International Vegan Rights Alliance, and shows how the idea of rights for vegans generated significant interest around the world resulting in veganism being formally recognized in law. Seeds of Change encourages vegans to defend their right to live with compassion in their daily lives and inspires further vegan rights advocacy as seeds of change that contribute to animal protection.

Law and Veganism International Perspectives on the Human Right to Freedom of Conscience

Lexington Books, 2021

In our complex, consumerist societies, the intricacy of personal interactions and the number of g... more In our complex, consumerist societies, the intricacy of personal interactions and the number of goods and products available often prevents us from direct knowledge of what lies ‘behind’ food behaviors, ingredients, and the origins of the modern food and agriculture supply chain. Over the last decade or so, scholars, lawyers and engaged lay vegans have had many discussions about vegan rights and discrimination as issues intrinsic to animal rights, but the final frontier remains intact: the direct concerns of other animals. To give effect to the rights of animals, we must recognize and defend the human right—or duty, as many uphold-- to care about them.

Including contributors from Australia, the United States, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, this book explores the rights of vegans and how vegans can be protected from discrimination. Using an international socio-legal lens, the contributors discuss constitutional issues, vegan legal cases, the concept of protection for vegan ‘belief’ in human rights and equality law, the legal requirement to provide vegan food, animal agriculture and plant-based, vegan food in the context of the human right to food, and the rights of vegans in education and in health care.

Towards a Vegan Jurisprudence: the need for a reorientation of human rights

Papers by Jeanette Rowley

Defining ethical vegansim.

The Law Society Gazette, 2023

Dairy’s Identity Crisis: Digesting the Socio-politico-legal Landscape

The Vegan Society, 2023

Earlier this year, news reports emerged that a United Kingdom (UK) Food Standards and Information... more Earlier this year, news reports emerged that a United Kingdom (UK) Food Standards and Information Focus Group (FSIFG) drafted an enforcement opinion on the use of dairy descriptors used by the vegan and plant-based food manufacturing sector.This article offers elementary insights into the legal context for the issues raised by news reports and food enforcement bodies, highlights the historical political nature of the dairy sector’s lawful claim on the use of words such as “milk”, “cream” and “yoghurt”, and suggests ideas for discussion to support the vegan dairy alternative food sector.

Celebrating 30 years of legal recognition for veganism

The Vegan Society, 2023

In celebration of 30 years of legal recognition for veganism, this article explains the significa... more In celebration of 30 years of legal recognition for veganism, this article explains the significance of Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights to the protection of vegans, the current scope of protection for vegans in Britain and how the use of law to protect vegans encourages the development of policies and practices that support vegans and help advance veganism.

Veganism and Animal Rights Activism Employment Screening

The Vegan Society, 2022

Private sector pre-employment screening companies offer ‘Animal Rights Activism’ checks to emplo... more Private sector pre-employment screening companies offer ‘Animal Rights Activism’ checks to employers who are concerned about security. The phrase ‘animal rights activism’ is not defined and appears to cover a wide range of activities from supporting animal welfare, being associated with others who care about nonhuman animals, working in animal shelters, to having links with ‘extremist’ organisations, and having a criminal record.
This ambiguity and the lack of clarity about the meaning of ‘animal rights activism’ raises questions about the lawfulness of screening activities because they can impact negatively on the lives of innocent law-abiding vegan job seekers who have protected status under the Equality Act 2010.

The Expert Series Spring 2021: Veganism, Counter Terrorism Strategy and Policing

The Vegan Society, 2021

Neither veganism or vegans are referred to in official published government counter terrorism pol... more Neither veganism or vegans are referred to in official published government counter terrorism policy documents, but innocent, law-abiding vegans have been caught up in the language of terrorism and processed under counter terrorism policy. Being unjustifiably drawn into this area of criminal law is an affront to the moral integrity of individual vegans and is, without doubt, a significant cause of stress and anxiety for the individual vegans concerned. It is also a political issue that has the potential to threaten the status and growth of veganism.

BJPsych Bulletin

SummaryThe number of people following a vegan diet in the UK is increasing. Eating disorder clini... more SummaryThe number of people following a vegan diet in the UK is increasing. Eating disorder clinicians are anecdotally reporting that more of their patients with anorexia nervosa are wanting to follow a vegan diet. The relationship between veganism and eating disorders is unclear. A fictitious scenario is used to explore these issues. An approach is described that clinicians may follow to help patients to understand the potential relationship between their eating disorder and veganism. The human rights issues this involves are also explored. It is hoped that this article will make readers more aware of this complex issue and the impact it can have on engagement with services and on treatment options.

The Expert Series April/May 2020: Human rights bias: the data economy and the further objectification of nonhuman animals

The Vegan Society, 2020

This article comments on the stated duty to consider nonhuman animals in our development of trust... more This article comments on the stated duty to consider nonhuman animals in our development of trustworthy and responsible artificial intelligence. It explains that European ethics guidelines for the development of trustworthy and responsible AI include consideration for nonhuman animals because they can be harmed by the development and use of autonomous artificial intelligence. It argues, however, that the commodity status of nonhuman animals betrays the stated duty to recognise them as benefactors of institutional moral concern. It explains the impact of the data economy on nonhuman animals in terms of data collection and data-driven artificial intelligence in Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) and argues that the animals subjected to this ‘livestock production process’ are not animals for the regulation of artificial intelligence to avoid harm.

Conference Presentations by Jeanette Rowley

The objective of this thesis is to develop a new way of thinking about the theory and practice of... more The objective of this thesis is to develop a new way of thinking about the theory and practice of human rights to accommodate the demands of vegans for basic moral rights for nonhuman animals. The work firstly outlines the ways in which the claims of vegans, under the right to freedom of thought and conscience, are largely unsupported by existing human rights because they are typically outweighed by the wider interests of the majority. Drawing on the work of Emmanuel Levinas, the thesis considers arguments that ground the nature of vegan claims in the ethics of alterity. It specifically utilises the argument that the basis of human rights recognises ethical responsibility to the precarious, mortal other. Upendra Baxi cautiously supports the application of Levinas' philosophy to the ethics of law, and there is a slowly growing body of literature in this regard. This thesis is the first human rights work to show that Levinas' ethics of alterity can also be applied to nonhuman others, and that human rights arguments can include claims that the avoidable suffering of nonhuman animals is a human rights wrong. The argument developed within this thesis allows a reconceptualisation of the human rights demands of vegans as claims representing a well-established ethical regard for nonhumans. Looking to Levinas' ethics of alterity not only illustrates a new approach to human rights litigation to accommodate vegans but also grounds the protection of other animals and allows for a reconceptualisation of the very idea of human rights.

Examiners Report " This was a very well written, cogently argued, and consummately researched thesis on a thought provoking topic – in short, it was excellent. The candidate employed an interpretation of Levinas' theory of alterity to justify a proposed shift in the jurisprudential underpinning of human rights discourse with a view to guaranteeing the rights of vegans to not participate in the harm of non-human animals. The wider implications of the candidate's argument indicated that harm to non-human animals cannot be justified. The candidate engaged thoughtfully with questions on the topic of the thesis, as well as its wider implications for legal practice and jurisprudence. It was clear that the candidate had a thorough understanding of the topic, and had considered how their work sat within the wider literature. They demonstrated an impressive command of the evidence they had presented, and were able to speak in detail regarding the text, and the wider context. Both examiners were satisfied that the work is already of a quality that would make it suitable for publication… "

The European Court of Human Rights has decided in favour of prisoners who request diets that allo... more The European Court of Human Rights has decided in favour of prisoners who request diets that allow them to express their 'compassion for all living beings'. In doing so, it has stated that 'diet is a direct expression of beliefs in practice'. These cases were decided under the Article 9 right to freedom of conscience in an era of efficiency protocols that give power to judges to throw out 'trivial' cases. Also in these cases, the Court has insisted that States observe the non-binding European Prison Rules. In this context, I examine the right to vegan food in prison. I conclude that on the jurisprudence developed, vegan applicants who bring a claim under Article 9 because they have been denied vegan food should be successful.

This paper examines the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (... more This paper examines the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) and considers its value for vegans. It explains how this treaty targets marginalisation by creating obligations on contracting Parties to legislate in the interests of minority communities. It explains that the FCNM does not define a 'national minority' and that contracting Parties have a wide margin of appreciation that has led to a restricted application of the treaty. Nevertheless, the paper observes the intended broad scope of the FCNM and suggests that vegans ought to explore the idea of identifying as strong, distinct minority community in their endeavour to protect, promote and develop their anti-speciesist world-view and way of life.

This symposium brings together a network of vegan legal professionals. We will discuss veganism i... more This symposium brings together a network of vegan legal professionals. We will discuss veganism in relation to principles of human rights, state interpretations of obligations under the right to freedom of belief and how equality frameworks relate to veganism. My contribution to this important symposium covers 3 topics in human rights and equality law. Firstly, I will explain how, under UK human rights and equality law, vegans are entitled to a plant based diet in public institutions. Secondly, I will explain the scope of UK human rights and equality law in relation to the protection of vegans from unfair treatment and discrimination. Finally, I will discuss the important principles in the international and European constitutional legal frameworks that are instrumental for vegan human rights. In this regard, the significance of an international and European right to freedom of conscience will be explained and the scope of the right to culturally acceptable food will be addressed.

Towards a Vegan Jurisprudence of Human Rights (2015 Melbourne, Australia)

This presentation raises questions about the moral foundations of human rights and who should be ... more This presentation raises questions about the moral foundations of human rights and who should be included.

Human rights law is founded on notions of human autonomy and rational agency. However, vegan human rights are moral claims for non-humans. When a vegan human claims their human rights, rights granted, paradoxically bring into focus the sentient non-human other who’s moral status is elevated. The vegan thus brings compassion to the forefront of human rights legislation and, through compassionate demands, brings partial emancipation to non-human sentient others by association.

The suffering narrative of protest scholarship in human rights rejects Kantian principles and instead, emphasises duties owed to the unique sentient other. If Kantian rationality is rejected in human rights scholarship then the unique sentient other is a cross species concept. Veganism brings into sharp focus an intersection where vegan human rights meet the status of non-human animals and the logical development of a vegan jurisprudence of human rights.

Raising questions about notions of human identity and ethical integrity in human rights discourse... more Raising questions about notions of human identity and ethical integrity in human rights discourse and practice.

Challenging Speciesism Through Human Rights: Law and Veganism (2013 Belgium)

Supressing Veganism: The construction and reconstruction of speciesism (2012 Toulouse, International Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference)

Exploring the ways dominant ideology suppresses and silences veganism.

Vegan Belief in Law: A tool in the progress of the movement for animal rights? ( 2012 Luxembourg)

Explores the use of vegan human rights as a mechanism of emancipation for nonhumans.

Exploring the ways veganism is supressed through state endorsed mechanisms, power and control.

Seeds of Change The International Vegan Rights Alliance and the Vegan Rights Revolution

Seeds of Change The International Vegan Rights Alliance and the Vegan Rights Revolution, 2024

Seeds of Change: The International Vegan Rights Alliance and the Vegan Rights Revolution emphasiz... more Seeds of Change: The International Vegan Rights Alliance and the Vegan Rights Revolution emphasizes that the legal protection of vegans is important to the campaign for animal protection. It explains the social, political, and legal context for the practice of veganism. This book documents the history of the campaign for vegan rights, the dedicated work of the International Vegan Rights Alliance, and shows how the idea of rights for vegans generated significant interest around the world resulting in veganism being formally recognized in law. Seeds of Change encourages vegans to defend their right to live with compassion in their daily lives and inspires further vegan rights advocacy as seeds of change that contribute to animal protection.

Law and Veganism International Perspectives on the Human Right to Freedom of Conscience

Lexington Books, 2021

In our complex, consumerist societies, the intricacy of personal interactions and the number of g... more In our complex, consumerist societies, the intricacy of personal interactions and the number of goods and products available often prevents us from direct knowledge of what lies ‘behind’ food behaviors, ingredients, and the origins of the modern food and agriculture supply chain. Over the last decade or so, scholars, lawyers and engaged lay vegans have had many discussions about vegan rights and discrimination as issues intrinsic to animal rights, but the final frontier remains intact: the direct concerns of other animals. To give effect to the rights of animals, we must recognize and defend the human right—or duty, as many uphold-- to care about them.

Including contributors from Australia, the United States, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, this book explores the rights of vegans and how vegans can be protected from discrimination. Using an international socio-legal lens, the contributors discuss constitutional issues, vegan legal cases, the concept of protection for vegan ‘belief’ in human rights and equality law, the legal requirement to provide vegan food, animal agriculture and plant-based, vegan food in the context of the human right to food, and the rights of vegans in education and in health care.

Towards a Vegan Jurisprudence: the need for a reorientation of human rights

Defining ethical vegansim.

The Law Society Gazette, 2023

Dairy’s Identity Crisis: Digesting the Socio-politico-legal Landscape

The Vegan Society, 2023

Earlier this year, news reports emerged that a United Kingdom (UK) Food Standards and Information... more Earlier this year, news reports emerged that a United Kingdom (UK) Food Standards and Information Focus Group (FSIFG) drafted an enforcement opinion on the use of dairy descriptors used by the vegan and plant-based food manufacturing sector.This article offers elementary insights into the legal context for the issues raised by news reports and food enforcement bodies, highlights the historical political nature of the dairy sector’s lawful claim on the use of words such as “milk”, “cream” and “yoghurt”, and suggests ideas for discussion to support the vegan dairy alternative food sector.

Celebrating 30 years of legal recognition for veganism

The Vegan Society, 2023

In celebration of 30 years of legal recognition for veganism, this article explains the significa... more In celebration of 30 years of legal recognition for veganism, this article explains the significance of Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights to the protection of vegans, the current scope of protection for vegans in Britain and how the use of law to protect vegans encourages the development of policies and practices that support vegans and help advance veganism.

Veganism and Animal Rights Activism Employment Screening

The Vegan Society, 2022

Private sector pre-employment screening companies offer ‘Animal Rights Activism’ checks to emplo... more Private sector pre-employment screening companies offer ‘Animal Rights Activism’ checks to employers who are concerned about security. The phrase ‘animal rights activism’ is not defined and appears to cover a wide range of activities from supporting animal welfare, being associated with others who care about nonhuman animals, working in animal shelters, to having links with ‘extremist’ organisations, and having a criminal record.
This ambiguity and the lack of clarity about the meaning of ‘animal rights activism’ raises questions about the lawfulness of screening activities because they can impact negatively on the lives of innocent law-abiding vegan job seekers who have protected status under the Equality Act 2010.

The Expert Series Spring 2021: Veganism, Counter Terrorism Strategy and Policing

The Vegan Society, 2021

Neither veganism or vegans are referred to in official published government counter terrorism pol... more Neither veganism or vegans are referred to in official published government counter terrorism policy documents, but innocent, law-abiding vegans have been caught up in the language of terrorism and processed under counter terrorism policy. Being unjustifiably drawn into this area of criminal law is an affront to the moral integrity of individual vegans and is, without doubt, a significant cause of stress and anxiety for the individual vegans concerned. It is also a political issue that has the potential to threaten the status and growth of veganism.

BJPsych Bulletin

SummaryThe number of people following a vegan diet in the UK is increasing. Eating disorder clini... more SummaryThe number of people following a vegan diet in the UK is increasing. Eating disorder clinicians are anecdotally reporting that more of their patients with anorexia nervosa are wanting to follow a vegan diet. The relationship between veganism and eating disorders is unclear. A fictitious scenario is used to explore these issues. An approach is described that clinicians may follow to help patients to understand the potential relationship between their eating disorder and veganism. The human rights issues this involves are also explored. It is hoped that this article will make readers more aware of this complex issue and the impact it can have on engagement with services and on treatment options.

The Expert Series April/May 2020: Human rights bias: the data economy and the further objectification of nonhuman animals

The Vegan Society, 2020

This article comments on the stated duty to consider nonhuman animals in our development of trust... more This article comments on the stated duty to consider nonhuman animals in our development of trustworthy and responsible artificial intelligence. It explains that European ethics guidelines for the development of trustworthy and responsible AI include consideration for nonhuman animals because they can be harmed by the development and use of autonomous artificial intelligence. It argues, however, that the commodity status of nonhuman animals betrays the stated duty to recognise them as benefactors of institutional moral concern. It explains the impact of the data economy on nonhuman animals in terms of data collection and data-driven artificial intelligence in Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) and argues that the animals subjected to this ‘livestock production process’ are not animals for the regulation of artificial intelligence to avoid harm.

The objective of this thesis is to develop a new way of thinking about the theory and practice of... more The objective of this thesis is to develop a new way of thinking about the theory and practice of human rights to accommodate the demands of vegans for basic moral rights for nonhuman animals. The work firstly outlines the ways in which the claims of vegans, under the right to freedom of thought and conscience, are largely unsupported by existing human rights because they are typically outweighed by the wider interests of the majority. Drawing on the work of Emmanuel Levinas, the thesis considers arguments that ground the nature of vegan claims in the ethics of alterity. It specifically utilises the argument that the basis of human rights recognises ethical responsibility to the precarious, mortal other. Upendra Baxi cautiously supports the application of Levinas' philosophy to the ethics of law, and there is a slowly growing body of literature in this regard. This thesis is the first human rights work to show that Levinas' ethics of alterity can also be applied to nonhuman others, and that human rights arguments can include claims that the avoidable suffering of nonhuman animals is a human rights wrong. The argument developed within this thesis allows a reconceptualisation of the human rights demands of vegans as claims representing a well-established ethical regard for nonhumans. Looking to Levinas' ethics of alterity not only illustrates a new approach to human rights litigation to accommodate vegans but also grounds the protection of other animals and allows for a reconceptualisation of the very idea of human rights.

Examiners Report " This was a very well written, cogently argued, and consummately researched thesis on a thought provoking topic – in short, it was excellent. The candidate employed an interpretation of Levinas' theory of alterity to justify a proposed shift in the jurisprudential underpinning of human rights discourse with a view to guaranteeing the rights of vegans to not participate in the harm of non-human animals. The wider implications of the candidate's argument indicated that harm to non-human animals cannot be justified. The candidate engaged thoughtfully with questions on the topic of the thesis, as well as its wider implications for legal practice and jurisprudence. It was clear that the candidate had a thorough understanding of the topic, and had considered how their work sat within the wider literature. They demonstrated an impressive command of the evidence they had presented, and were able to speak in detail regarding the text, and the wider context. Both examiners were satisfied that the work is already of a quality that would make it suitable for publication… "

The European Court of Human Rights has decided in favour of prisoners who request diets that allo... more The European Court of Human Rights has decided in favour of prisoners who request diets that allow them to express their 'compassion for all living beings'. In doing so, it has stated that 'diet is a direct expression of beliefs in practice'. These cases were decided under the Article 9 right to freedom of conscience in an era of efficiency protocols that give power to judges to throw out 'trivial' cases. Also in these cases, the Court has insisted that States observe the non-binding European Prison Rules. In this context, I examine the right to vegan food in prison. I conclude that on the jurisprudence developed, vegan applicants who bring a claim under Article 9 because they have been denied vegan food should be successful.

This paper examines the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (... more This paper examines the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) and considers its value for vegans. It explains how this treaty targets marginalisation by creating obligations on contracting Parties to legislate in the interests of minority communities. It explains that the FCNM does not define a 'national minority' and that contracting Parties have a wide margin of appreciation that has led to a restricted application of the treaty. Nevertheless, the paper observes the intended broad scope of the FCNM and suggests that vegans ought to explore the idea of identifying as strong, distinct minority community in their endeavour to protect, promote and develop their anti-speciesist world-view and way of life.

This symposium brings together a network of vegan legal professionals. We will discuss veganism i... more This symposium brings together a network of vegan legal professionals. We will discuss veganism in relation to principles of human rights, state interpretations of obligations under the right to freedom of belief and how equality frameworks relate to veganism. My contribution to this important symposium covers 3 topics in human rights and equality law. Firstly, I will explain how, under UK human rights and equality law, vegans are entitled to a plant based diet in public institutions. Secondly, I will explain the scope of UK human rights and equality law in relation to the protection of vegans from unfair treatment and discrimination. Finally, I will discuss the important principles in the international and European constitutional legal frameworks that are instrumental for vegan human rights. In this regard, the significance of an international and European right to freedom of conscience will be explained and the scope of the right to culturally acceptable food will be addressed.

Towards a Vegan Jurisprudence of Human Rights (2015 Melbourne, Australia)

This presentation raises questions about the moral foundations of human rights and who should be ... more This presentation raises questions about the moral foundations of human rights and who should be included.

Human rights law is founded on notions of human autonomy and rational agency. However, vegan human rights are moral claims for non-humans. When a vegan human claims their human rights, rights granted, paradoxically bring into focus the sentient non-human other who’s moral status is elevated. The vegan thus brings compassion to the forefront of human rights legislation and, through compassionate demands, brings partial emancipation to non-human sentient others by association.

The suffering narrative of protest scholarship in human rights rejects Kantian principles and instead, emphasises duties owed to the unique sentient other. If Kantian rationality is rejected in human rights scholarship then the unique sentient other is a cross species concept. Veganism brings into sharp focus an intersection where vegan human rights meet the status of non-human animals and the logical development of a vegan jurisprudence of human rights.

Raising questions about notions of human identity and ethical integrity in human rights discourse... more Raising questions about notions of human identity and ethical integrity in human rights discourse and practice.

Challenging Speciesism Through Human Rights: Law and Veganism (2013 Belgium)

Supressing Veganism: The construction and reconstruction of speciesism (2012 Toulouse, International Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference)

Exploring the ways dominant ideology suppresses and silences veganism.

Vegan Belief in Law: A tool in the progress of the movement for animal rights? ( 2012 Luxembourg)

Explores the use of vegan human rights as a mechanism of emancipation for nonhumans.

Exploring the ways veganism is supressed through state endorsed mechanisms, power and control.

Challenging Speciesism Through Human Rights: Law and Veganism (2013 London)

Explores why veganism is a human right and the potential of utilising vegan human rights in activ... more Explores why veganism is a human right and the potential of utilising vegan human rights in activism.

Veganism, Rights and Equality (2013 Geneva)

Exploring veganism in international human rights and the ECHR.

Freedom of Belief Under Article 9 of the ECHR (2013 London)

Explores the extent of the "freedom to believe" [in veganism] in dominant speciesist ideology.

Veganism and The Law (2014 Blackpool)

Exploring the human rights of vegans in the context of UK human rights and equality law.

Some thoughts on the proposal for a British Bill of Rights and Brexit. A 15 minute presentation g... more Some thoughts on the proposal for a British Bill of Rights and Brexit. A 15 minute presentation given to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Vegetarianism and Veganism London December 2016

This small scale research project invited vegans to describe unfair experiences in personal, soci... more This small scale research project invited vegans to describe unfair experiences in personal, social and employment contexts. On the basis of the results, it is clear that members of the vegan community are at risk of unfair and discriminatory treatment in all major sectors of social life. This study reveals that the public sector is failing in its duty to accommodate veganism, particularly in health care. Protection for vegans in employment is urgently required in both the public and private sector. This study makes a number of recommendations related to the requirements of international and domestic law and urges the United Kingdom Equality and Human Rights Commission to pay particular regard to the vegan community.

Vivisecting veganism: the double-edged sword of dairy's exclusive ownership of words

NEW BOOK OUT AUGUST 2016 Critical Perspectives on Veganism

Explores new and upcoming approaches towards the subject of veganismPresents a multi-faceted exam... more Explores new and upcoming approaches towards the subject of veganismPresents a multi-faceted examination of the conditions and implications of carnismDiscusses the possibilities of normalization strengthening or detracting from the impetus of veganismAids readers in understanding how the vegan lifestyle maybe be practised in the twenty-first century