A Maltese court on Wednesday acquitted Matthew Grech, an ex-LGBT activist, of charges related to “advertising conversion practices,” marking what legal observers believe is the first case of its kind to be prosecuted internationally. Grech had faced the possibility of a five-month jail sentence and a fine of 5,000 euros.
The case stemmed from a 2022 interview with PMnews Malta, where Grech discussed his personal journey of leaving a homosexual lifestyle after becoming a Christian and his views on the nation’s 2016 ban on “conversion practices.” Malta was the first European Union country to enact such a ban, prohibiting attempts to change, repress, or eliminate a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Following the interview, police contacted Grech, initiating a three-year legal battle that included 17 court appearances.
“It feels really fine and it feels like it’s a result of the faithful prayers of the saints all around the world,” Grech told CBN News following the verdict. “I have mixed feelings. I’m thankful, however, it felt like the process itself was the punishment. And my question is, OK, do we now have freedom of speech around this issue in Malta?”
Grech’s defense centered on the argument that he was simply sharing his personal testimony and advocating for the freedom of individuals to seek help with unwanted sexual desires or behaviors. The journalists who conducted the interview with Grech were also charged but were ultimately found not guilty, raising concerns about the potential chilling effect on reporting on the issue.
Christian Concern, a UK-based legal organization, provided support to Grech throughout the proceedings. Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of Christian Concern, who was present in Malta for the ruling, stated, “Today’s not-guilty verdict is a clear and decisive victory, not only for Matthew, but for Christian freedom and free speech across the world.” Williams added that the prosecution struggled to define “conversion therapy,” characterizing it as an “undefined, politically loaded term” without factual grounding.
Grech expressed his desire to see the Maltese ban on “so-called conversion practices” revoked and to prevent similar legislation from being adopted across Europe. He believes individuals should be free to engage in open conversations about sexuality and gender. “Frankly, people deserve the right to seek help voluntarily that is fitting for them, that is right for them because people want to live according to their values,” he said. “Or, maybe they want to resolve conflicts in their marriage or past trauma with abuse.”
Prior to his conversion, Grech described living an “active homosexual lifestyle in London” and exploring New Age practices, including a desire to become a Reiki master. He recounted a pivotal moment after attending a church service and experiencing what he described as a profound spiritual encounter. “And they invited me to go to a main gathering,” he recalled. “And the pastor of the community was having words of knowledge about people, and he pointed his finger at me. He said, ‘I sense that God wants to tell you that he really loves you.’” He subsequently embraced Christianity and, after reading scripture, came to believe he needed to repent and change his lifestyle.
Grech indicated that he intends to build momentum to challenge similar laws in other European nations, viewing his acquittal as a significant step toward protecting free speech and religious freedom. The Maltese government has not yet commented on the verdict or indicated whether it plans to review the 2016 ban on “conversion practices.”
