London: A UK Employment Appeal Tribunal has ruled that anti-Zionism qualifies as a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act, dismissing the University of Bristol's appeal in the case of former political sociology professor David Miller.
The tribunal upheld an earlier judgment that Miller's dismissal in 2021 for alleged gross misconduct was both unfair dismissal and direct discrimination. The court found that his anti-Zionist views satisfied the legal requirements for protection under the Equality Act.
According to the ruling, Miller's criticism was aimed at Zionism as a political ideology and not at Jewish people or Judaism, distinguishing political opinion from discrimination based on religion or ethnicity
. Reacting to the verdict, Miller described the decision as a major victory for freedom of expression, saying it would give others confidence to express their political beliefs without fear of discrimination.
The University of Bristol expressed disappointment with the ruling but said it remains committed to protecting free speech while maintaining its institutional policies and responsibilities.
The judgment is expected to have broader implications for academic freedom, workplace rights, and legal protections for employees expressing anti-Zionist political beliefs across the United Kingdom.
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