Potential Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee is to speak at a summit for an anti-gay Catholic group that believes homosexuality can be ‘cured’.

Forrest Gump actor Gary Sinise recently withdrew from speaking at an event for Legatus – over articles on the group’s website which describe “same sex attraction” as a “disorder” that can be “cured”.

He was followed by Fox News anchor Bret Baier – who also quit the summit after learning of the group’s extreme views on sexuality.

However, the pair have now been replaced by former Republican Governor Mike Huckabee – who is rumoured to be running for President in 2016.

Mr Huckabee – who quit his Fox News show this month after refusing to rule out a run for President – was confirmed by Legatus as a headline speaker this week.

The group also attacked the pressure which led the previous speakers to withdraw, saying: “LGBT groups should not feel threatened by our organization, whose mission is to study, live and spread our faith according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

“At its core, this issue is about the freedom of Legatus members — in fact all Catholics, and by extension people of any religion — to have the freedom to exercise their religious beliefs, which includes the ability to gather together and discuss their faith.

“Church teachings on same-sex attractions are not intended to marginalize the individuals who experience them.

“On the contrary, the Church wants to reach out to these individuals — as well as all who will enter into dialogue about its teachings — and help them to understand why the Church teaches what it does.”

Mr Huckabee previously ran for President in 2008 – coming third in the Republican primaries behind 2008 candidate John McCain and 2012 candidate Mitt Romney.