A Maltese man has appeared in court for his alleged promotion of conversion therapy. This case may set a key precedent, as several European countries – including the UK - have banned or are proposing to ban conversion therapy.
Matthew Grech is a member of the River of Love Pentecostal church. The 33-year-old is a former homosexual, converted to Christianity, who has now renounced his sexual orientation. He is charged with breaching the ban on the advertisement of gay conversion therapies, a law introduced in 2016, following an interview he gave to local media outlet PMnews (Public Media News), Malta. If found guilty he could receive a €5,000 fine or be sentenced to five months in prison.
During the interview he shared his story of how he had become a Christian, which led to him leaving behind a homosexual lifestyle and unwanted same-sex attraction. The interview was advertised on the PMnews Facebook page and its subject was chosen by the presenters of the programme. At no point during the programme did Matthew invite any listener to attend therapy or encourage anyone to get help for unwanted same-sex attraction.
