In this hyperpartisan age, Americans sometimes feel that our political environment has descended as far as it could go. However, a certain segment of Dutch society intends to prove that we -- and the rest of the world -- still have the capability of shock:

The Netherlands cemented its reputation as Europe's most socially liberal country today when a new political party formed by paedophiles was told it could contest this year's general election.

A Dutch court rejected an attempt by anti-paedophile campaigners to ban the Brotherly Love, Freedom and Diversity party (PNVD), which wants to cut the age of consent from 16 to 12 and to legalise child pornography. "The freedom of expression, the freedom of assembly and the freedom of association should be seen as the foundations of the democratic rule of law and the PNVD is also entitled to these freedoms," the court in The Hague said in a statement. ...

The new party wants to legalise the possession of child pornography and to allow pornography to be shown on daytime television. Violent pornography would be allowed after the evening watershed, young children would receive sex education and youths over the age of 16 would be allowed to appear in pornographic films. Sex with animals would also be allowed by the party, although abuse of animals would remain illegal.

Sex with animals would explain the pedigree of the politicians looking to run for office under the PNVD banner. The thought that a NAMBLA-like organization would form a political party and campaign in an election seems absurd in the United States -- and anywhere else, for that matter. One has to wonder whether the police will take note of the PNVD's candidates for their predilections, at least for future reference.

However, as disgusting as the PNVD is, the judge made the right decision. Ultimately, the 82% of the Dutch who want to see them banned can enact that ban themselves -- at the ballot box. A democratic government has no business banning political parties, unless they espouse violence. Regardless of the despicable nature of their platform, the only remedy for groups like the Pedophile Party is the utter rejection of their candidates, followed by the social shunning of their members.

The Dutch may have socially liberal values, but they also have common sense. They will not allow the PNVD to win a single seat.

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Tracked on July 18, 2006 3:22 PM