The conscience rights of vegetarians and ecologists in the workplace have been recognised in new UK equality 
guidelines, but not those of family lawyers who believe in the traditional family.
Among other things, the guidelines [1] suggest that ecologists could ask to be excused from duties that increase CO2 emissions, such as flying to business meetings.
However, it says that the conscience rights of a “newly-appointed magistrate” who has “a philosophical belief that protecting the welfare of children means that they should not be brought up by parents in same-sex relationships”, should not be recognised.
The document was produced after a series of judgments by the European Court of Human Rights, including the ruling that Christians can wear a cross at work.
The document states that “employees may assert the right to discuss their personal beliefs in the workplace and employers should not prevent such conversations”. Bosses should “consider seriously” adapting the relevant work duties to suit their employees beliefs.
It insists that such beliefs should be “more than an opinion or a viewpoint”, should be genuinely and sincerely held and worthy of respect in a democratic society.
It suggests that a Christian nurse could say prayers for a patient, if it is made clear that there is no pressure or obligation on the patient to agree.
The guidelines say that ecologists should be permitted to tell colleagues that it is irresponsible to drive to work because it damages the environment. They could also ask to be excused from duties that increase CO2 emissions.
Another example in the document refers to a vegetarian employee working in an office telling his employer “that he wishes to avoid coming into contact with meat at work to comply with his religion or belief”.
According to the example the employer “accepts in this case that the request is genuinely motivated by the employee’s belief and that it is sincere”.
“After talking with other employees, the employer concludes the impact on other employees can be easily managed, and decides to exempt the vegetarian employee from fridge cleaning duties where meat is stored.”
Jewish workers should be allowed to leave the workplace early on a Friday to prepare for the Sabbath, if it does not adversely affect other members of their team.
Requests by Muslims to take time off to attend prayers at a local mosque should also be serious considered.
Religious workers should be allowed to wear symbols such as crosses and clothing such as hijabs or turbans, the document suggests. They should also be allowed to have a beard if it is considered integral to their belief system.
It advises that religious people may also seek to promote their beliefs so long as this is not intimidating, hostile or offensive to others, and that leaflets can be distributed.