Channel Nine in fawning apology after reporter is spotted at Roe v Wade protest

Channel Nine has apologized after a television journalist was photographed during a protest against the US High CouncilRoe vs Wade decision with a sign mocking Christianity.

Lana Murphy reported on the protest in Melbourne when she was pictured with a sign that read, “Mary (the virgin) should have had an abortion.”

The poster was then uploaded to her personal Instagram account.

The photo was widely shared on social media, with Catholic writer and Twitter user Joel Agius describes it as a “disgusting message of Christian hatred.”

Following opposition from religious groups and community members, the network released a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

The network explained that Ms. Murphy was punished with a counseling session on “why the post was inappropriate.”

Twitter user Joel Agius described the photo as a ‘disgusting message of Christian hatred’ (pictured)

“It was not the journalist’s intention to offend anyone, but he was advised as to why the post was inappropriate,” the network said.

9News apologizes to anyone offended by the post.

“We respect all sides of this sensitive issue and are proud to report impartially.”

Ms. Murphy also made a statement explaining that she had no intention of offending anyone.

The network explained that Ms. Murphy (pictured) was punished with a counseling session on ‘why the post was inappropriate’

“The words on the sign and my subsequent posting of that image to my personal social media account offended some in the religious community,” she said.

This was not my intention and I offer my sincere apologies to those who were injured.

“I recognize that in my professional role it was not the right time to give the impression of having chosen a side.”

Protesters marched in solidarity on Saturday after the US Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion.