This leaves councillors free to continue providing this therapy to motivated clients. Mr Strudwick also failed to get Lesley's membership of the BACP revoked.

The Appeal Panel held that Lesley was knowledgeable on the subject matter and had not breached any of the minor allegations including those related to time keeping and introducing Mr Strudwick to her husband.

Lesley Pilkington said:

"I am grateful that reparative therapy remains recognised by the BACP; but who is going to protect Christian counsellors from continued harassment? My witnesses were not permitted to be called and they were fearful of intimidation by homosexual activists who were sending abusive phone calls.

"Regrettably, there is an attempt by some to silence Christian viewpoints on marriage, sexuality and on the upbringing of children.

"We are supposed to live in an inclusive and diverse society. Does that then mean it's inclusive and diverse for everyone except those who want to leave their same sex attraction, and those therapists who want to help them? And do we want the kind of society where bullying, and intimidation, lies and betrayal are used to accomplish dubious purposes? Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in any civilized society and must be exposed for what it is and utterly condemned."

Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, said:

"An experienced counsellor who has spent so many years helping people has been put under investigation and dragged through the press following the deceit and aggression of a homosexual activist.

"Lesley has been penalised because she was targeted as a Christian and because she believes that people are free to choose to change their behaviour if they wish.

"For Patrick to seek to take away her professional accreditation and malign her in this way exposes the more sinister side of the homosexual lobby. It's incredibly intolerant."

Mrs Pilkington is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre.