A Christian in Malta has been found not guilty of advertising "conversion practices" in what is believed to be the first ever trial involving so-called gay conversion practice.
It has significant implications for attempts in the UK and elsewhere to ban "conversion practices".
Matthew Grech, 36, formerly a practising homosexual before becoming a Christian, said he believed the prosecution was politically motivated and thanks God “that justice has prevailed”. It took more than three years to come to court in Valetta, Malta.
After the verdict, he said: “From the very beginning, I have been clear that I committed no crime. I was never guilty of anything except speaking openly about my own life, about my spiritual journey to becoming a Christian, and the profound difference and freedom that my faith has made in every aspect of who I am.”
In April 2022 Matthew was interviewed by PM News Malta, about leaving homosexuality and unwanted same-sex attraction. The interview was advertised on the channel’s Facebook page. Matthew, introduced as a representative of the IFTCC (International Foundation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice), spoke about sexual confusion, leaving behind a gay-lifestyle and how his life dramatically changed when he became a Christian.
He did not encourage anyone to attend therapy or get help for unwanted same-sex attraction, though he did mention the IFTCC. A senior EU equality official and LGBT campaigner reported him to the police. Matthew believed he had been aggressively targeted by members of the Malta Gay Rights Movement.
After the ruling, Matthew said: “Today’s decision is not just a personal vindication, it is a reaffirmation of a fundamental principle: speaking about one’s lived experience, including the transforming power of Christ, is not a crime.”
If found guilty, Matthew – who was supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC) - would have faced a prison term of up to five months in prison, and/or a fine of up to €5,000.
Conversion therapy was banned in Malta in 2016, the first EU country to do so. However, the IFTCC said the Maltese Government has struggled to define "conversion therapy" for the purposes of the prohibition.
IFTCC chairman Michael Davidson, who gave evidence in Matthew’s case, said: “We are relieved that the Court has provided clarity in this case. At its heart was a simple but vital principle – that individuals must be free to speak about their own lived experience without fear of criminal sanction. We remain committed to upholding professional standards, lawful dialogue, and careful engagement on matters that are often deeply personal and complex.”
CLC chief executive Andrea Williams said: “This is a win for Malta, for Europe, and for all who care about free speech and freedom of religion worldwide.”
Sources: IFTCC; CC
A helpful challenge – but I don’t recognise those views
This article was written in response to the article "Same-sex attraction and identity: Are evangelicals on the right track?" …