Legal Battle Continues for Maltese Christian Over Conversion Therapy Testimony
For over three years, Matthew Grech, a Maltese Christian, has been embroiled in a legal case that has attracted significant attention. His testimony about leaving homosexuality, which he shared back in 2022, has resulted in potential legal consequences due to Malta’s stringent laws on conversion therapy.
The decision regarding Grech’s case was expected last Thursday but was postponed yet again, marking the second delay in this drawn-out process. His lawyer was informed of this delay through an unexpected email, as reported by the London-based group Christian Concern.
Initially charged in 2022, Grech’s legal troubles began after he shared his personal journey in an interview with PMnews Malta, discussing his experiences and views on conversion therapy. This was perceived as a breach of Malta’s Affirmation of Sexual Orientation, Gender and Gender Expression Act, specifically Article 3, which prohibits advertising conversion practices.
Under this 2016 law, the first of its kind in Europe, Grech faces penalties that could include a fine of €5,000 (over $5,700) or up to five months in prison if found guilty. His interview did not invite others to undergo therapy to change their sexual orientation but did critique the law. He spoke from a scientific perspective, mentioning that “talking therapy” could reduce same-sex attraction and gender confusion, according to Christian Concern.
The complaint against Grech was initiated by Silvan Agius, a notable LGBT activist in Malta who was instrumental in the law’s creation. Additional support for the complaint came from Christian Attard and Cynthia Chircop, both prominent figures in the Malta LGTBIQ Rights Movement.
In a video message addressing the delayed ruling, Grech expressed his mixed feelings of disappointment and resilience, drawing strength from his faith. “Jesus said, ‘Rejoice when you were being persecuted for my name,’ so I stay joyful,” Grech stated. “I stay patient in trials. I’m not surprised when trials come, because we were warned that they would come. So I feel at peace.”
Grech expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Christians worldwide and acknowledged the responsibility he feels in his ongoing legal battle. “I feel very well-supported by my Christian family all across the world, but there is a sense of responsibility in this case that is clearly felt as well, for my part, but I believe we’re doing a great job to stand for Christ in this hour,” he added.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
