Opus Dei wants adult rating for Da Vinci Code

Catholic group Opus Dei has called for the film version of The Da Vinci Code novel to be given an adult rating.

The organisation says children should be protected from what it calls "insidious" lies about Catholicism.

A spokesman said: "Any adult can distinguish reality from fiction. But you cannot expect a child to make proper judgements."

The group has aroused controversy in the past, with critics calling it secretive and ultra-conservative.

The spokesman went on to say that Opus Dei would make "no declaration of war" against the film, that "no one is going to make threats or organise boycotts".

The film, based on Dan Brown's best-seller, stars Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou. Directed by Ron Howard, the film is due for release in May.