X Factor gets flak from ministers over gay conversion contestant

The equality and justice ministries have both rained down on X Factor in light of the homophobic statements that were allowed to air by producers of the show. 

In a strong reaction to the promotion of gay conversion therapy by X Factor contestant Matthew Grech, the ministries said the airing of such comments on television and Youtube were "dangerous and place many vulnerable adolescents at risk".

Gay conversion therapy was outlawed in 2016. The law also prevents anyone from promoting such homophobic therapy. The ministries condemned X Factor and similar homophobic sentiments.

The government was reacting to last night's episode of X Factor where Grech—also a member of the religious group River of Love that had promoted gay conversion therapy — revealed that he was a 'sinful homosexual' before finding God and subsequently converting.

His comments were aired on TVM. Following a backlash on social media, X Factor Malta edited out his comments from the Youtube video and removed the clip from Facebook.

They have since released a statement saying that X Factor Malta was only interested in music and that it did not endorse these hateful statements. 

"Those adolescents who are in the process of coming out and are facing difficulties, should look for help," a spokesperson for the minisries said.

"Every gender identity and any expression of identity is valid and none of these should invite change or suppression," the statement continued.

The ministries insisted that LGBTIQ individuals did not require a cure or forgiveness for what was integral to their being. "Sexual orientation is not a lifestyle but an instinct that manifests itself differently in each person."