An ex-LGBT activist who is reportedly facing potential prison time in Malta after sharing his testimony of leaving behind a gay lifestyle to follow Christ is battling for his freedom in court. Matthew Grech joins CBN’s Faithwire to provide an update on his case, the legal ramifications, and why he’s fighting back.
Legal problems began when Grech shared his story of leaving the LGBTQ lifestyle and finding Jesus with a local outlet. He said there were two presenters with PMnews Malta who wanted to know more about the nation’s crackdown on so-called conversion therapy and his take on the matter. Malta in 2016 became the first European Union country to ban attempts to “change, repress or eliminate a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression,” leading to fines or even jail time.
“Last year, I was invited to share my story on a program and answer questions about so-called conversion practices,” Grech said. “And I mentioned an organization … that supports men and women who leave LGBT and an organization that promotes a biblical sexuality.” Just days later, he said three people reported him to the police and accused him of breaching the law. Suddenly, he was in legal trouble. “I had to go to the police and I exercise my right to be silent,” he said. “And the police pressed charges against me.”
Grech, who is back in court this week and is reportedly the first person in his country to be prosecuted in such a way, continued, “If I’m found guilty, I could spend five months in jail or I could … pay a fine of up to 5,000 euros … just for really exercising my freedom to be a Christian and to support others who want to move away from unwanted LGBT identities or desires.”
In the end, he said he’s grateful for the support of Christians across the globe who have offered support and prayer. Grech said he’s confident he will be victorious in court, but even if he’s not, he has no plans to give up hope or to cede to the state. Listen to him tell his story.