The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has echoed that all movies containing LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) content remains illegal in the country.
KFCB acting CEO Christopher Wambua, while speaking during an interview with a local radio station noted 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 laws,” Wambua said.
“If there is any content that normalizes 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.” He added.
Moreover, Wambua cited examples of films barred from broadcast, for instance ‘I am Samuel’ due to what he termed as its explicit portrayal of homosexuality-related scenes.
While commenting on the rising distribution of same-sex content across the internet, the KFCB official noted that the government is working to ensure prevention measures are taken to prevent airing of such content in the country.
He further stated that on Netflix streaming site, talks were underway with the US-based company to ensure that future access to homosexual content was restricted.
In addition, the KFCB boss urged parents to be at the forefront of sensitizing their children through filtering content to limit their access to unauthorized content.
According to Wambua, sensitizing children would help to nurture them in culturally acceptable behavior.
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“Research has shown that film and media content influence the behavior and the thinking of consumers, especially children who are most impressionable,” he said.
“Parents need to set screen times and monitor their child’s internet use because the internet is filled with unfiltered content for kids to be exposed to harmful interactions like bullying and harassment,” the KFCB boss added.
