Christian facing jail for ex-LGBT testimony tipped off EU equality official to police: report
accusatory police report Christian in Malta about illegally advertising “conversion therapy” by talking about how he gave up his homosexual lifestyle was reportedly filed by a senior equality official in the European Union, along with people with ties to a gay rights organization.
Silvan Agius, who is an expert in the cabinet of EU Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli, confirmed that he was one of three people who filed the report that brought 33-year-old Matthew Grech to trial. Maltese Outlet Lovin Malta.
Agius declined to comment further regarding the current case to the Maltese outlet and did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment at press time.
The other two people who filed the complaint were Christian Attard, a founding member of the Malta Movement for LGBTQ Rights, and Cynthia Chirkop, co-chair of the organization, the publication reports. Attard served on European Commission on Sexual Orientation Law.
Matthew Grech, 33, is facing a fine and jail time for allegedly advertising “conversion practices” when he was interviewed about his life and how he gave up his homosexuality. (Christian care)
The Greek faces up to 5,000 euros in fines or up to five months in prison if found guilty. Article 3 violation Malta’s Sexual Orientation, Gender and Gender Expression Assertion Act, which makes it “unlawful for any person” to “advertise practices of conversion”.
Greek explained Fox News Digital in January, that during an interview with local publication PMnews Malta in April 2022 about his life, he never invited anyone to undergo therapy to change his sexual orientation or gender identity.
However, he was critical of Maltese law and explained how he came to the conclusion that homosexuality is not a person, but rather a practice inconsistent with his faith. It was subsequently filed with court order called him to court last month, and he faces another hearing on June 9th.
A police report was also filed against Mario Camilleri and Rita Bonnici, the journalists who conducted the interviews. They are facing a separate legal battle. recently told Fox News Digital “goes against the fundamental right to free speech.”
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Journalists Mario Camilleri and Rita Bonnici face criminal charges after they interviewed Matthew Grech about his life. (PMnews Malta)
Agius, formerly head of the Human Rights and Integration Authority in Malta, has been associated with criminalization of conversion therapy in a country that was the first in Europe to ban the practice in 2016.
Malta recently strengthened its law banning conversion therapy by adding an amendment redefining the advertising clause “to include the publication, advertising, display, dissemination, referral and dissemination of any material promoting the practice,” according to the Times of Malta.
When Grech made headlines in his country in 2018 for telling his story as a contestant on X Factor Malta, Agius, whose current duties as a cabinet pundit under Dalli include “inclusiveness, equality and non-discrimination” – provoked Grech’s comments “problem”.
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Clip Grecha on X Factor Malta was reportedly pulled from Facebook and YouTube in the country, and the TV program later apologized for broadcasting his views.
The headquarters of the European Commission is lit up with the colors of the rainbow flag in support of the International Day against LGBT people in Brussels, Belgium, May 16, 2020. This year, Malta was ranked number one in the LGBT-friendly EU rankings by Rainbow Europe. (NurPhoto/Contributor via Getty Images)
In 2013, while serving as policy director for the European region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA), Agius told the BBC that the German third gender on birth certificates “doesn’t matter”. “. go far enough.”
Grech told Fox News Digital that he considers conversion therapy bans, which prevent consenting adults from receiving treatment for unwanted sexual feelings, “barbaric” and that LGBT activists are using them as a springboard “to get into churches and get pastors and ministers.” gospel.” To shut up and agree.”
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The Maltese rights movement LGTBIQ did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.