Malta Prosecutes Christian Man for Sharing His Ex Gay Testimony — Verdict Delayed for Fourth Time

Christian Man Faces Prison in Malta for Sharing His Testimony About Leaving Homosexuality

Matthew Grech, an ex gay Christian from Malta, arrived at court on Wednesday expecting to finally hear the verdict in his criminal trial, only to be told the decision had been postponed for the fourth consecutive time.

The new hearing date is set for March 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM CET.

Grech was charged with "advertising conversion practices" after appearing on PM Malta, a local media platform, in June 2023. During the appearance, he shared his personal experience of leaving homosexuality and spoke about the value of counseling for those struggling with unwanted same sex attraction.

The charges carry a potential penalty of up to five months in prison or a fine of €5,000 (over $5,700). The case is believed to be the first criminal prosecution of its kind anywhere in the world.

Thank you for standing with me in prayer.

Grech said outside the court following the adjournment.

Final court submissions were heard on February 4, 2025, meaning Grech has now been waiting over a year to learn whether he will be found guilty or innocent. The case has seen 12 court hearings since it began.

His legal representative, Roger Kiska from the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), expressed frustration with the repeated delays.

The process is part of the punishment and no one should have to wait three years on these simple facts.

Kiska stated after the hearing.

Malta's Conversion Therapy Law Used to Silence Christian Testimony for the First Time

Grech serves as a trustee for Core Issues Trust, an organization that supports individuals seeking voluntary change regarding same sex attraction. He has drawn parallels between his situation and biblical accounts of persecution.

I believe that as we survive this snake that is trying to poison us and harm us, as we look toward God, who is able to save us and redeem us, people will shift their perspective.

Grech said, referencing the Apostle Paul's experience in Malta.

Andrea Williams, Executive Director of the Christian Legal Centre, called the case a threat to "freedom of speech itself" and urged the court to deliver an acquittal.

We believe in the best for our nation, but there has been an idol that has been set up, and it needs to come down.

Grech added.

The Crusader's Opinion

Let's be absolutely clear about what is happening here. A Christian man is facing prison for the crime of telling the truth about his own life. Matthew Grech did not force anything on anyone. He went on a media platform and shared his testimony. That's it. And for that, Malta wants to lock him up.

This is the new blasphemy law. Not against God, but against the ideology of the age. You can renounce Christ in any country in Europe and be applauded. But renounce sin and speak of transformation through Jesus? They will drag you into court and make you wait three years for a verdict that should have taken three minutes. The process IS the punishment, and they know it.

Every Christian needs to understand: if this conviction stands, your testimony is next.

Take Action

• Pray: Join in prayer for Matthew Grech ahead of his March 4, 2026 verdict date. Pray for justice, strength, and a powerful acquittal that sends a message across Europe.
• Donate: Support the legal defense through the Christian Legal Centre's Matthew Grech case page and consider giving to www.TheShepherdsShield.org which supports persecuted Christians globally.
• Share: Post this story on your social media and ask: "Why is a man being prosecuted for sharing his own life story?"
• Write: Contact the Maltese Embassy in your country and express concern about religious freedom and free speech in Malta.
• Support: Learn more about Core Issues Trust, the organization Matthew Grech serves as trustee.