Italy’s member of parliament and PDL party Elvira Savino (C) and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi attend a debate in the upper house of Parliament in Rome September 14, 2011. REUTERS/Max Rossi/File Photo
If parliamentarian Elvira Savino has her way, Italian parents who insist on a vegan diet for their children will risk up to four years in jail.
Savino, from the conservative Forza Italia party, has put forward a law that would hold parents legally responsible for feeding their children on “a diet devoid of elements essential for healthy and balanced growth”, according to its text.
“I have nothing against vegans or veganism as long as it is a free choice by adults,” she told Reuters in a telephone interview on Wednesday, days after she presented the proposed law in the lower house Chamber of Deputies.
I – Word Understanding
Parliamentarian – member of the parliament / lawmaker
Put forward – to suggest or proposal
Devoid – entirely lacking / empty
II – Have Your Say
1. What do you think?
A vegetarian diet does not include meat, but may include dairy products and/or
eggs. A vegan diet does not include meat and all animal products (eggs, dairy). Vegans also avoid all other animal-based products like leather, wool and silk.
2. Do you agree with the proposed law? Please share your opinion.
3. What is considered a standard diet for babies and kids in your country? Are there some foods not allowed for kids?
555 Parents who insist on vegan diet for children may risk jail in Italy
