Amsterdam's chief rabbi has been suspended after signing a statement claiming there is a 'gay cure'.

The Dutch city's Orthodox Jewish community made the decision to temporarily relieve Aryeh Ralbag of his post after the US-born official endorsed a document which states that 'homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle' and that it is possible to 'heal' gay people.

So far 180 rabbis, community leaders and mental health professionals have signed the Torah Declaration.

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Ralbag, who lives in New York and visits Amsterdam once or twice a year to rule on legal matters, will remain suspended until he and community leaders have discussed the matter.

A press release issued by the community’s board NIHS said gays are welcome in Amsterdam's Jewish community.

It read: 'Rabbi Ralbag’s signature may give the impression the Orthodox Jewish community of Amsterdam shares his view. This is absolutely untrue.'

Speaking to the Jerusalem Post, Esther Voet, former editor-in-chief of Dutch Jewish weekly Nieuw Israëlietisch Weekblad, supported the decision to relieve Ralbag of his duties. 

She said: 'I think it’s the only right position because the policies of rabbi Ralbag have come repeatedly under scrutiny for a while now.'