KFCB BANS I AM SAMUEL FILM FOR PROMOTING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Kenya Films of Classification Board (KFCB) has banned a Kenyan film, I am Samuel on grounds that it is promoting same-sex marriage as an acceptable way of life. In a press release, the regulatory body said the film contravened Article 165 of the Penal Code that outlaws homosexuality in Kenya. 

“This attempt is evident through the repeated confessions by the gay couple that what they feel for each other is normal and should be embraced as a way of life, as well as the characters: body language, including series of kissing of two male lovers. The documentary ultimately features marriage of two men, and concludes with the dedication of the film to the gay community,” said KFCB. 

The regulatory body also put producers of the film on the spot for conducting a religious marriage of the male lovers invoking the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. “Worse still, the production is demeaning of Christianity as two gay men in the film purport to conduct a religious marriage invoking the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. On the basis of religion as a classifiable element, the Board finds the documentary not only blasphemous but also an attempt to use religion to advocate same sex marriage,” the Board wrote. 

The board noted that it will only encourage films that are produced in line with the laws of the country. “While the Board welcomes local and foreign support to our budding local film industry, such funding should focus on production of content that is aligned with the laws of our country. Films that advocate same sex marriage, homosexuality or any other outlawed practises practices that shall not be allowed for exhibition, broadcast or distribution within the country,” the press release further stated. 

KFCB maintained that it will not allow distribution of content that  propagates same-sex marriage, “We are aware of efforts by some producers to promote gay-themed content that propagates same sex marriage contrary to our cultural beliefs and norms. The Board will not allow such productions to be either broadcast or exhibited within Kenya as our laws do not countenance homosexuality or same sex marriage,” KFCB wrote.