In what is believed to be a first for the nation of Brazil, parents Audato and Leda Denardi have been sentenced to 50 days in prison for homeschooling their daughters, according to a recent press release by ADF International.
“The parents were convicted of “intellectual neglect”, with the judge stating that the home education curricula failed to include programs on “gender and sex education” and “tolerance and diversity.”
The court also concluded that because the girls, aged 15 and 11, did not like “trap” or “sertanejo” (folk) music, their home curriculum had also failed to properly educate them in cultural diversity, despite the fact that they are both accomplished pianists and speak multiple languages.”
“Initially sentenced in April 2026, the Denardis’ sentence has been suspended while they take their appeal to the highest state court, where they are arguing they have a right to direct their children’s education. Leda Denardi explained:
“As a mother, I cannot conceive a more dictatorial state than the one that wants me in jail because I chose to exercise my right to direct the education and upbringing of my daughters. My husband and I are hopeful the court will recognize our right to choose the best education for our children and overturn this unjust conviction.”
Julio Pohl, Legal Counsel for Latin America at ADF, was highly critical of the initial sentence, writing:
“The prosecutor examined the witnesses and recommended for acquittal. An independent educational psychologist found no sign of neglect. The girls themselves described rigorous daily education. The judge convicted anyway – because a fifteen-year-old said she finds some music lyrics morally questionable, and because the curriculum didn’t include state-approved content on gender.
A parent has been sentenced to prison not for failing to educate her children, but for educating them according to her own values. This is a grotesque abuse of the criminal law, and we will not let it stand.”
