Rome, Italy, Feb 23, 2010 / 00:04 am
An Italian Facebook group that calls for children with Down syndrome to be used for target practice has drawn protest from disability support groups and government officials.
The group page shows a photo of a Down syndrome baby with the word “idiot” superimposed on in, Agence France Presse reports. It proposed a purportedly “easy and amusing solution” to get rid of “these foul creatures” by using them as targets at shooting ranges.
By late Sunday the group had 1,700 members.
Manuela Colombo, the president of a support group for families with Down syndrome, condemned the ad.
“People’s ignorance has no limits,” she told ANSA.
Italy’s Equality Minister, Mara Carfagna, said the group was “unacceptable and dangerous” and promised legal action.
Police action could be delayed because Facebook is based in Palo Alto, California and a lengthy legal process may be required.
One baby in 1,200 is born with Down syndrome in Italy and there are 38,000 people with the condition living there, AFP reports.