BY DAVID MAFABI
KAMPALA
The government of Kenya has banned lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + LGBTQ content remains in the country.
The ban intends to introduce a legislative ban on the practice of conversion therapy, which seeks to change people’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Although this move is likely to stir controversy, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) insists that all movies containing LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) content remain outlawed in the country.
Mr Christopher Wambua, the acting CEO KFCB said during a radio interview last week that same-sex films and movies are prohibited in the Kenyan Constitution hence the board will continue its crackdown on such content in the mainstream media.
“The country’s laws do not allow LGBTQ+ content or even relationships. Even as we rate and classify content, we also consider other applicable law,” Mr Wambua said on Spice FM.
“If there is any content that normalises or glorifies same-sex relationships, our position in Kenya has always been that kind of content is restricted and should not be broadcasted, exhibited, or distributed within the borders of the country.”
Mr Wambua cited examples of films that had been barred from broadcast such as ‘I am Samuel’ due to what he termed as its explicit portrayal of homosexuality-related scenes.
Mr Wambua noted that the government was working to ensure prevention measures are taken to bar the airing of such content in the country regarding the rising distribution of same-sex content across the internet,
He referred to the Netflix streaming site saying that talks were underway with the US-based company to ensure that future access to homosexual content was restricted.
“Most of them are restricting; because of our discussions with Netflix, they are curating their classification system that is very aligned with our laws with the view of ensuring that in the future once we sign the agreement, some of this content is not visible at all within the republic,” said Wambua.
“Whether you are exhibiting on the theatre or VOD platform, there is no vacuum, the law is very clear.”
Mr Wambua advised parents to be at the forefront of sensitizing their children through filtering content to limit access to unauthorised content. This he said would help to nurture them in culturally acceptable behaviour.
“Research has shown that film and media content influence the behaviour and the thinking of consumers, especially children who are most impressionable,” Mr Wambua said. Ends
