The Internet Association for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) has once again turned down a bid to set up a .xxx domain name for pornographic sites. 

Today's verdict is the third time that the domain name manager has rejected the attempt to establish a dedicated web suffix for adult sites.

"This decision was the result of very careful scrutiny and consideration of all the arguments," said Icann chairman Vint Cerf.

"That consideration has led a majority of the board to believe that the proposal should be rejected."

The decision was not close run, as nine of the council voted against and only five voted for.

However, the decision was taken at an open forum at which each member explained their reasons behind their decisions.

The proposal had come under fire from both sides. The adult industry feared that it would be forced into using the domain name, and religious pressure groups worried that it legitimised pornographic material.

ICM Registry, which first put forward the proposal for a .xxx domain back in 2004, said that it may now sue Icann over this latest decision. 

ICM Registry had hoped to run the .xxx domain name service with the backing of the International Foundation for Online Responsibility.