"We are extremely disappointed to learn of Apple's decision to deny equal representation in the public square," Exodus International president Alan Chambers said in a release.

Exodus described itself as a global Christian ministry "helping those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction to live a life congruent with biblical teaching."

Its free iPhone program linked users to Exodus information including videos, podcasts, a Twitter feed, and the group's page at social networking service Facebook.

"We removed the Exodus International app from the App Store because it violated our developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people," Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told AFP. Apple removed the software from the App Store late on Tuesday, according to Neumayr.

Apple was under pressure to yank the so-called "gay cure" application from its iTunes shop for software for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. As of Wednesday, more than 150,000 people had electronically signed an online petition at a change.org website calling for Apple to dump the Exodus application.

"This app is a slap in the face to Apple's customer base and serves as a platform to spread misinformation and blatant anti-gay bigotry," said Truth Wins Out (TWO) executive director Wayne Besen.

"It is particularly troublesome because the app focuses on exploiting the fears of desperate and vulnerable gay and lesbian youth."

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