NETHERLANDS
News Pakistan
The Dutch Supreme Court has banned the Martijn group, which promoted pedophilia in the name of freedom of expression and association, both enshrined in the Constitution. The judges have decided, however, that “physical and psychological integrity of the child just when you need protection and is far more important than dependent older people.” The ruling also states that “this type of contact is contrary to the values of the Dutch society and can affect a child for life.” The decision follows the advice of the State Attorney General and ends a long judicial process that had been dragging on since 2011. It further forces the dissolution of the group, whose president was in jail for possession of child pornography.
Although child abuse is against the Dutch law, it was not easy to get rid of Martijn. Founded in 1982, its members have always asserted “discussion forum for social acceptance of sex between adults and children (from 12 years) provided they are voluntary and sanctioned by the parents.” In 2011, the Ministry of Justice decided to promote such an idea, even reprehensible, was part of the freedom of expression. A year later, however, the courts ruled that the ideology of pro pedophilia itself contradicted the norms of Dutch society, and ordered its dissolution. In 2013, that ruling was overturned, this time in the name of freedom of association. State Attorney General then appealed to the Supreme court and has now won the case.
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