Matthew Grech’s tenth criminal court hearing took place on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, marking the third year of his case. Matthew, a former Maltese Christian church worker who identifies as ex-gay, is being prosecuted for promoting “conversion practices” after he shared his testimony about finding faith and moving away from homosexuality. During a TV interview, the presenters—who are also on trial—asked Matthew about his personal journey of distancing himself from same-sex attraction after experiencing a relationship with Jesus.
They also inquired about his views on the so-called ‘conversion therapy,’ which is banned in Malta. In response, Matthew shared his personal experience of converting to Christianity and moving away from identifying as gay. When the interviewers pressed him further, he cited scientific evidence and explained that, in some cases, addressing pain and trauma through conventional talk therapy can reduce same-sex attractions and gender confusion.
He may face a five-month prison sentence for being introduced as a representative of the International Federation for Therapeutic and Counseling Choice (IFTCC) and for mentioning the umbrella organization. Conversion therapy is a political term.
Dr. Mike Davidson, representing Core Issues Trust and IFTCC, testified during this week’s hearing. He specializes in assisting individuals who wish to abandon LGBT behaviours.
He testified that Grech had not received any therapy related to his sexuality and, therefore, was not an insider in this type of therapy. Grech’s role with the IFTCC was to support the ex-LGBT community in their fight against discrimination.
Dr. Davidson also explained that the term “conversion therapy” is a political label used to stifle conversation about sexuality and prevent meaningful discussions on the topic. It is akin to calling someone a racist to shut down the conversation.
In a press release regarding the case, Dr. Davison stated, “The freedoms of speech, conscience, and religion are under attack. The truth is that the choice of therapeutic and counseling options is a fundamental right. When governments promote a singular viewpoint—that sexual orientation is inborn and unchangeable, and that gender does not relate to biological sex—they deny individuals who choose not to identify as LGBT the right to move away from identities and practices that no longer resonate with them. This is a human rights issue.”
Matthew Grech later stated that Davidson “brought essential evidence before the court. He represented the Christian faith excellently and, more importantly, stood up for our God-given freedoms. I also want to thank Christian Concern for their practical support throughout this journey.”
‘You will be arrested’.
On 6 April 2022, Matthew was invited by PMnews Malta, a small free-speech media platform, to share the story of how he became a born-again Christian. This transformation led him to leave behind a homosexual lifestyle and unwanted same-sex attractions. The interview was advertised on PMnews Malta’s Facebook page, and the presenters selected the topic for discussion. During the program, Matthew did not invite any listeners to attend therapy or encourage anyone to seek help for unwanted same-sex attraction.
Following the interview, Mr Grech received a prosecution order from Inspector Roderick Attard of the Maltese police. The order accused him of promoting “conversion practices,” which allegedly violated Article 3 (a) (iii) of Chapter 567 of Maltese law. He was informed that he needed to attend a hearing on 3 February 2023 and that he would be arrested if he failed to do so. Article 3 of Malta’s draconian Affirmation of Sexual Orientation, Gender and Gender Expression Act states that:
“It shall be unlawful (a) for any person to: (i) perform conversion practices on a vulnerable person; or (ii) perform involuntary and, or forced conversion practices on a person; or (iii) advertise conversion practices; and, or (b) for a professional to: (i) offer and, or perform conversion practices on any person irrespective of whether compensation is received in exchange; or (ii) make a referral to any other person to perform conversion practices on any person.”
Lawyers argue that bringing these charges against Matthew breaches his fundamental Human Right to Freedom of Expression, safeguarded under Article 41 of the Constitution of Malta and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
They also argue that under Human Rights legislation derived from Malta’s obligations under the European Convention of Human Rights and the free speech rights guaranteed by its own Constitution, Matthew had every right to freely share and express his story and views on unwanted same-sex attraction. They say he should, therefore, not be criminally charged, tried, and publicly shamed for having done so.
Regarding the allegation made by the police that he had ‘advertised conversion practices,’ Matthew’s lawyers argue that he did not, at any point during his interview, direct viewers or listeners to a counsellor, therapist, or any counselling entity whose services would violate Chapter 567 of the Laws of Malta.
They assert that Matthew’s sharing of his personal testimony was not just an expression of his thoughts and views on the subject but also a reflection of his Christian beliefs, which he shared with respect for his audience.
If convicted of a crime, lawyers warn that freedom of the press and broadcasting in Malta could be at risk. They stress that anyone seeking help for unwanted same-sex attraction—a protected characteristic—would be marginalized and forced underground. Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, stated, “It’s deeply unjust for Matthew to face criminal charges for his interview. He simply shared with a small online audience in Malta about his positive conversion to Christ and his voluntary decision to move away from a homosexual lifestyle while also answering journalists’ questions regarding the efficacy and safety of therapy.
“The threat extends beyond Matthew; it poses a danger to free speech itself. Even broadcasters who are openly pro-LGBT and wished to debate the topic have faced prosecution. There is no logic in this case. I hope, for Matthew's sake and for Malta and the world, that he is acquitted now that this evidence has been presented.”
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