Vereniging MARTIJN

Vereniging MARTIJN is a Dutch association that advocates the acceptance of sexual relationships between adults and minors. Founded in Hoogeveen, 1982, the group's main activity has been the publication of OK magazine, known until 1987 as Martijn.

MARTIJN was expelled from the International Lesbian and Gay Association in 1994. It has issued statements opposing rape and other forms of sexual violence, and urges its members to abide by the law, but is nevertheless highly controversial in its home country.

The organization was in the news in October 2007 when it was learned that photographs of Princess Amalia, daughter of Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange and his wife Princess Maxima, were on display on the websites forum. The Prince went to court to request a €50,000 fine and the removal of the photos from the website. The court agreed that the photos must be removed, and imposed a fine of €5,000 to be paid every time photos of children of the royal family are placed on the site again. The organization had to pay €1235 in costs.

On 18 June 2011, the Ministry of Security and Justice announced that the association's activities are not illegal under Dutch law. Although individual members have been suspected or convicted of illegal activities, the crimes were not committed as part of tasks for the association. Consequently it is not possible to prosecute, ban or disband the association.

On 27 June 2012, a Dutch court in Assen ruled that the group was illegal and ordered the group to cease activities and disband effective immediately. However this decision was overturned by a higher court. The judge motivated his or her decision by stating that Martijn did not commit crimes and the right of freedom of association.

External links

• RationalWikiWikiWiki
• MARTIJN Association
• Dutch Court Says Pedophilia Advocacy Group Martijn Can Continue (The Daily Beast)
• Wikipedia