After NVS was founded in 2020, they wanted to be registered as a life vision society. With such a status, they can, among other things, request a state subsidy of around NOK 1,500 per member for almost 1,000 members.
Being vegan is more than just avoiding foods from animals. It’s a way of life, says NVS. So they offer vegan name parties, confirmations, weddings and funerals, writes Vårt Land.
– We believe that it is untenable that the state should decide which recognized ideas about life are valid and which are not, says Jon Vegard Venås, board member and head of the registration process at NVS, in a statement news
To prosecute the case, NVS has hired one of Norway’s largest law firms: BAHR.
– We believe that the refusal violates both national legislation and international human rights, says associate attorney Kristoffer Roheim Justad in the press release.
In 2015, the Equality and Discrimination Ombudsman decided that veganism must be understood as a way of life. This is an important argument for the vegan community.
– Our veganism provides a sensible view of man’s role in life and answers central ethical questions. It deserves recognition in the same way as other views on life such as humanism and atheism, says Jon Vegard Venås from NVS.
2024-11-25 23:54:00
#Norwegian #Vegan #Association #Association #Religions #Beliefs
**How does the Norwegian Vegan Society define “veganism as a life vision” and what distinguishes this concept from simply adhering to a vegan diet?**
## Interview: Veganism as a Life Vision in Norway
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re exploring a fascinating legal battle in Norway surrounding the recognition of veganism as a “life vision society.” We’re joined by Jon Vegard Venås, a board member and head of registration at the Norwegian Vegan Society (NVS) and Kristoffer Roheim Justad, associate attorney at BAHR, the law firm representing NVS. Welcome to both of you.
**I. Defining Veganism: Beyond Dietary Choices**
* **Host:** Jon, the article cites a statement from NVS that “being vegan is more than just avoiding animal products; it’s a way of life.” Can you elaborate on what this means for members of the Norwegian Vegan Society?
* **Host:** Kristoffer, how does this broader understanding of veganism inform the legal argument presented by BAHR?
**II. Seeking Recognition as a Life Vision Society**
* **Host:** Jon, why is it important for the Norwegian Vegan Society to be recognized as a life vision society? What benefits would this bring?
* **Host:** Kristoffer, what legal grounds are you pursuing in this case? What specific national legislation and international human rights are you referencing?
**III. The 2015 Ombudsman Decision and its Impact**
* **Host:** Jon, the article mentions a 2015 decision by the Equality and Discrimination Ombudsman recognizing veganism as a way of life. How significant is this precedent in your case?
* **Host:** Kristoffer, how does this previous decision influence your legal strategy?
**IV. Challenging Traditional Notions of Religion and Belief**
* **Host:** Jon, NVS seeks recognition alongside organizations like humanist and atheistic societies. What similarities do you see between veganism and these belief systems? Where do you think the distinction lies?
* **Host:** Kristoffer, how does this case potentially challenge traditional definitions of religion and belief within the legal framework?
**V. Looking Ahead: Implications for Veganism and Society**
* **Host:** Jon, what are your hopes for the outcome of this case? What kind of impact would a favorable ruling have on the vegan community in Norway and beyond?
* **Host:** Kristoffer, how do you see this case potentially influencing broader discussions about the legal recognition of alternative life views and ethical stances?
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your insights on this compelling issue. We appreciate your time and expertise.
This structured interview format allows for a comprehensive exploration of the key themes raised in the article. The open-ended questions encourage both Jon and Kristoffer to elaborate on their perspectives and dive deeper into the complexities of the case. The division into thematic sections provides a clear structure while fostering a natural flow of conversation.
