Psychologist Mariella Blackman, who is married to pastor Gordon Manché, has sued The Sunday Times of Malta for libel.

Ms Blackman claimed the article ‘Pastor’s wife tried to cure “disgusting” homosexual’, from June 21, was defamatory. She filed the libel suit against editor-in-chief Steve Mallia and journalist Ivan Martin.

She said she had practised psychology and been licensed for the past 20 years. She was also a person of “public notoriety”, often appearing on television, including the State broadcaster. She used to be vice-president of the Malta Union of Professional Psychologists but stepped down when she had her two children.

The article directly attacked her in an unfair and defamatory manner and contained a number of inaccuracies intended to attack her character and professionalism, making it libellous, she claimed.

The headline gave the impression that she referred to gay people as “disgusting” when she never used this word to refer to anyone in her private or professional life.

Ms Blackman also strongly denied she had recommended the practice of reparative treatment for gays, saying this claim was unfounded.

The article was an “attack” to get back at her husband, a pastor in the Christian church with values and beliefs about homosexuality based on the Gospel. For some, these beliefs might be controversial.

There had been various attacks against her and her husband by pro-gay right groups over the years. These, however, did not have any effect as the Christian community continued to grow, she added. The article had caused irreparable damage to her professional and personal reputation and led to comments on social media, including by former MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando.

Lawyer Mark Mifsud Cutajar and legal procurator Marie Claire Bonello signed the writ.