The DUP MP and MLA, who is under investigation by police, said she had no regrets about describing homosexuality as an "abom- ination" and saying gays needed psychiatric help.

A huge row erupted last week after Mrs Robinson made the remarks in the wake of a homophobic attack.

The born again First Lady said she had a right to express her view and claimed there was a "witch hunt" against Christians.

"I am defending the word of God. I think at the moment there is a witch hunt to kerb or actually stop or prevent Christians speaking out and I make no apology for what I said because it's the word of God. But at the same time I was very careful in saying that I have nothing against any homosexual. I love them; that is what the Lord tells me, to love the sinner and not the sin. And just as a murderer can be redeemed by the blood of Christ so can a homosexual," she told the BBC.

Mrs Robinson denied that she should bear any added responsibility because of her marriage to the First Minister, saying: "I don't think it should reflect on anyone other than me. I said it, it has nothing to do with Peter. Am I supposed to keep quiet just because I am married to Peter?"

Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson said the anti-gay comments called Mrs Robinsons' position as chairman of the Assembly's Health Committee into question.

"I think that such an outrageous comment from Mrs Robinson calls into question her suitability as chair of the Assembly health committee," she said.