AD condemn preacher’s gay therapy ‘hate speech’

Green party Alternattiva Demokratika have condemned a US preacher’s claims that homosexuality is a mental illness that requires “conversion therapy”.

“Those disseminating hate speech and unfounded claims should not be treated as glorified speakers,” Angele Deguara, spokesperson of the party’s consultative body on LGBTIQ rights said. “Such claims send the wrong message to LGBTIQ people and their families who may still be trying to deal with their personal as well as social issues related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to more uncertainty and unacceptance.

“It will also send the wrong message to Maltese society which needs to be further sensitised to the many issues pertaining to the LGBTIQ community rather than influenced by unfounded claims that only continue to contribute to transphobia and homophobia.”

Tom Brown, a US Evangelist and founder of the Word of Life church in Texas, visited Malta last weekend as a special guest at evangelist church River of Love. In an interview with the Times of Malta, Brown advocated his stance in favour of “conversion therapy”, arguing that homosexuality is a sin.

“These so-called therapies have come under strong criticism in various countries since they have been proved to be very harmful psychologically,” Deguara said. “Their ultimate aim is to deny and repress a person’s sexuality and true nature. Consequently, any form of conversion therapy should be sanctioned by professional authorities. Should people be struggling with their sexuality, they are encouraged to seek the support of gay-affirmative professionals.”