The public prosecution department is to appeal to the high court over a lower court decision to overturn a ban on pro-paedophile lobby group Stichting Martijn.

Last week, the appeal court in Leeuwarden ruled the foundation, which campaigns for legalised sex between children and adults, cannot be banned because its existence does not threaten to cause social disruption.

A civil court in Assen last year banned group Stichting Martijn, saying what the foundation does and says about sexual contact between adults and children contravenes the accepted norms and values in Dutch society.

The public prosecution department said on Monday evening it would take the matter to the high court. It says the existence of the foundation does cause social disruption and should therefore be banned.

Meanwhile, political parties CDA and ChristenUnie are preparing draft legislation which would have the foundation banned by law.