One year in prison and even two years if the child is under three years old: this is what Italian parents impose a vegetarian diet to their child will perhaps risk from now on. A bill tabled in the Italian Parliament by the deputy Elvira Savino wants to introduce this new sentence in the Code of Criminal Procedure, in order to “punish parents who do not provide all the essential elements for growth to their children under 16”.
Up to 4 years in prison if the diet causes illness
“Regarding children, it is reasonable to think that choosing a vegetarian or vegan diet is too restrictive and leads to serious nutritional deficiencies which can affect cognitive and somatic development” underlines the member in her speech. “To grow up, a child needs good quality protein. The lack of it can cause deficiencies in zinc, hemenic iron (found in meat and fish), vitamin D, vitamin B12 and omega-3. deficiencies large enough to interrupt their development “.
The MP says her bill wants “definitively stigmatize the dangerous behavior of certain parents or guardians towards minors”. If this bill passes, imprisonment could go up to four years if the vegetarian diet results in injury or minor illness.
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