Piers Morgan has escaped censure over comments made to a former Christian magistrate who was sacked over his views on gay adoption.

In a Good Morning Britain interview with Richard Page, of Grigg Lane, Headcorn, Mr Morgan branded him a homophobe and said he could see why Lord Chancellor Michael Gove had sacked him.

Mr Page was initially disciplined for telling fellow magistrates he did not believe same sex parents were the best option for a child. The comments were made behind closed doors during an adoption case.

The 69-year-old father of three went on to take part in a number of media interviews, including one with the BBC in which he said not enough research had been done on the impact of gay adoption on children. He was subsequently struck off due to his “prejudicial” views.

“You don’t think gay people make good parents, you don’t think a gay lifestyle is natural, you are homophobic.” — Piers Morgan

The devoted Christian was also suspended from his position on the board of Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership (KMPT).

During the ITV show last month Mr Morgan said: “You don’t think gay people make good parents, you don’t think a gay lifestyle is natural, you are homophobic.”

Mr Page refutes the claim and cites studies in America, where gay adoption has been legal longer, which suggest same sex parents have a detrimental effect on children during puberty.

He added: “Being gay is not what is best for a child” and said he would certainly not be happy if one of his children was gay.

Mr Morgan says gay adoption is allowed by law and as a magistrate Mr Page is responsible for upholding that regardless of his religious beliefs, concluding: “I can see why you have been sacked.”

The seven-minute debate resulted in 70 complaints to broadcasst regulator Ofcom from people claiming Mr Morgan had branded all Christians homophobes.

A spokesman for Ofcom said: “We assessed a number of complaints that Piers Morgan’s tone was offensive and discriminatory towards Christians in an interview.

“We noted that the interviewee was given several opportunities to respond. He stated he was not homophobic, and set out reasons why. Overall, the interview was balanced and we found no evidence of discrimination.”