Australian murderer loses court fight for the right to eat Vegemite in prison
Vegemite is not a human right
Andre McKechnie, 55, serving life for murder in Victoria, argued that a 20-year statewide prison ban on Vegemite violated his human right to enjoy his Australian culture. Justice Claire Harris accepted that the ban limited his cultural rights but ruled it justified: officials say the yeast spread can help brew alcohol and throw off drug-sniffing dogs. McKechnie, who represented himself from Barwon Prison, pointed out that New South Wales prisons allow Vegemite.
The limitation on Mr. McKechnie's ability to enjoy Vegemite in community with other persons of Australian background is primarily that he is a prisoner.