The sexual health foundation Rutgers said on Tuesday that it plans to take legal action against the ultra-conservative Catholic organisation Civitas Christiana for spreading lies about a primary school programme designed to teach children about relationships, sexuality, and setting personal boundaries.

The annual “Week van de Lentekriebels” (Spring Fever Week) takes place nationwide next week, and Rutgers said it is taking legal steps “to support parents and teachers and combat disinformation.”

Civitas Christiana claims on its website that the programme is about sexualising children, pushing LGBT propaganda, “normalising homosexuality,” and trivialising abortion. However, Rutgers argues that the organisation’s actions are endangering safe child development.

The project week has been a target of criticism from conservative quarters in the past and is often the subject of online misinformation and fake news. Schools have the autonomy to decide whether or not to participate. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the programme’s rollout.

“This extremely conservative foundation is hindering the safe, healthy, and happy development of children and young people,” Rutgers’ deputy director Luc Lauwers said.

“Everyone has their own perspectives, norms, and values, which is a fundamental right in a free democracy. But when it comes to lies and slander, we draw the line.”