UK Tribunal Rules Anti-Zionist Beliefs Deserve Legal Protection in Landmark Case
London (Quds News Network)- In a significant ruling, a UK employment tribunal has declared that anti-Zionist beliefs, such as those held by academic David Miller, are “worthy of respect in a democratic society” and should be protected under anti-discrimination laws. The decision comes after Professor Miller, a former lecturer at the University of Bristol, was unfairly dismissed in 2021 over accusations of making antisemitic remarks.
Miller had argued that his views on Zionism, which he describes as an “inherently racist, imperialist, and colonial” ideology, were not directed against Jewish people but rather aimed at the political ideology of Zionism itself. He contended that Zionism leads to practices of apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and genocide in pursuit of territorial expansion. His dismissal sparked widespread debate and raised questions about the limits of free speech and the protection of controversial political beliefs in academic settings.
The tribunal’s judgment, now published in a detailed 120-page document, concluded that Miller’s beliefs met the legal criteria for protection. Employment Judge Rohan Pirani stated, “Although many would vehemently and cogently disagree with [Miller]’s analysis of politics and history, others have the same or similar beliefs… We find that he has established that his belief amounted to a philosophical belief.”
While Miller’s views on Zionism were deemed offensive to pro-Israel individuals, particularly after complaints from pro-Israel students and organizations, a university-commissioned review previously found no evidence that Miller expressed hatred towards Jews. Despite this, he was dismissed for gross misconduct, a decision the tribunal ruled was unjustified, stating that his dismissal stemmed from his publicly expressed beliefs, which were lawful and did not incite violence.
The judges stated that Miller’s anti-Zionist stance should be protected, as it does not conflict with human dignity or the fundamental rights of others.
