The Malta Chamber of Psychologists (MCP) said that homosexuality is not a pathology, mental anomaly nor psychological disorder. In fact, in line with our sister association in America (APA) we appeal to all to support us in the removal of the stigma of mental illness which shrouds people of lesbian, gay and bisexual orientations. 

The chamber issued the statement after Matthew Grech, who described himself as an “ex-gay”, said in The Malta Independent programme Indepth that homosexuality is a psychological disorder.

In a statement, the chamber said that the notion of gay conversion, as a therapy or simply even as a concept, is in itself harmful and noxious to persons from the LGBTIQ community, since it not only rejects a group of individuals based on unfounded promises, but also promotes a lack of tolerance to diversity within our community. In fact, being gay is not something which deems the need for a cure or transformation, and the very implication of such is a form of homophobia. 

As a body we promote respect and equality for all persons and we strongly condemn any practices, public outcries or vociferous attacks on any minority group or section of our population. The discipline of psychology is concerned with the health and well-being of humans and groups, and we consider such behaviours to be a direct threat to public wellbeing. MCP also promotes the importance of learning to know, accept, love and respect oneself for who we are; a practice which leads to our psychological maturation and integrated sense of self.

Denying our true nature may in itself lead to psychological difficulties, and denying our sexual orientation - if it so happens not to be hetero-normative - is in fact known as internalised homophobia, the chamber said.