Claimant v Tinklin Springall
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that the claimant's beliefs in medical autonomy, homeopathic remedies and rejection of Covid-19 vaccinations do not amount to a protected characteristic under section 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Without a protected characteristic, the direct discrimination claim on grounds of religion or belief cannot proceed and was dismissed.
The tribunal found that the claimant's beliefs in medical autonomy, homeopathic remedies and rejection of Covid-19 vaccinations do not amount to a protected characteristic under section 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Without a protected characteristic, the indirect discrimination claim on grounds of religion or belief cannot proceed and was dismissed.
The tribunal found that the claimant's beliefs in medical autonomy, homeopathic remedies and rejection of Covid-19 vaccinations do not amount to a protected characteristic under section 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Without a protected characteristic, the harassment claim on grounds of religion or belief cannot proceed and was dismissed.
The tribunal determined that from 8 March 2022 the claimant was a disabled person due to depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. The harassment claim relating to these conditions can proceed to a full hearing. However, the claim relating to a tumour on his eyelid was dismissed as this did not amount to a disability at the relevant times.
The tribunal determined that from 8 March 2022 the claimant was a disabled person due to depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. The indirect disability discrimination claim relating to these conditions can proceed to a full hearing. However, the claim relating to a tumour on his eyelid was dismissed as this did not amount to a disability at the relevant times.
The tribunal determined that from 8 March 2022 the claimant was a disabled person due to depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. The unfavourable treatment because of something arising in consequence of disability claim relating to these conditions can proceed to a full hearing. However, the claim relating to a tumour on his eyelid was dismissed as this did not amount to a disability at the relevant times.
The tribunal determined that from 8 March 2022 the claimant was a disabled person due to depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. The failure to make reasonable adjustments claim relating to these conditions can proceed to a full hearing. However, the claim relating to a tumour on his eyelid was dismissed as this did not amount to a disability at the relevant times.
Facts
This was a preliminary hearing to determine whether the claimant's beliefs and medical conditions amounted to protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. The claimant held beliefs in medical autonomy, homeopathic remedies and a rejection of Covid-19 vaccinations. He also suffered from depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation from 8 March 2022, and had a tumour on his eyelid. The respondent was represented by counsel while the claimant appeared in person.
Decision
The tribunal found that the claimant's beliefs did not amount to a protected religion or belief under section 10, so all religion or belief discrimination claims were dismissed. However, the tribunal found that the claimant was disabled from 8 March 2022 due to depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, allowing those disability claims to proceed. Claims relating to the eyelid tumour were dismissed as it did not amount to a disability at the relevant times.
Practical note
Beliefs in medical autonomy, homeopathic remedies and rejection of Covid-19 vaccinations do not meet the Grainger criteria for a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2307988/2023
- Decision date
- 29 June 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- other
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No