The National University of Ireland in Galway (NUIG) has suspended a society at the college for distributing controversial leaflets around the campus.

The Legion of Mary invited people with same-sex attractions to "move beyond the confines of the homosexual label" by developing "an interior life of chastity".

The University Societies Group met on Tuesday and suspended them with immediate effect.

The Legion of Mary have apologised for any distress caused, and said that it was not their intention to offend or upset any person or group of people.

NUIG says it "will not condone the production and dissemination of any material by students which discriminates against other students".

"Discrimination or implied or direct harassment, on the basis of sexual orientation and/or religion, is contrary to Irish and European law" it said in a statement.

The Vice-President for the Student Experience there has started an enquiry to review the actions of the society in the context of the University code of conduct, their policy on harassment as well as Irish and European law.

NUIG adds that it is committed to protecting the liberty and equality of all students, and does not condone such behaviour.