An Indian gay-themed film titled ‘Badhaai Do’ has been banned for exhibition, distribution, and broadcasting in Kenya.
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) on Monday announced the banning of the drama-comedy film.
According to a statement signed by KFCB acting Chief Executive Officer Christopher Wambua, the decision was reached following examination of the 147-minute film.
The film had been submitted to the board in February for examination and classification before the public exhibition in cinema theatres.
It was subjected to both external and internal examiners based on the existing classifiable elements and standard guidelines provided under the Films and Stage Plays Act.
“The examiners noted an obvious and intentional attempt by the producers to promote the same-sex marriage agenda as an acceptable way of life. The gay and lesbian characters in the film explicitly seek to normalize their feelings for each other and ultimately convince their families to embrace and empathize with them,” noted the KFCB acting boss in part of the statement.
Wambua also notes that multiple gay and lesbian affection depicted in the film “is in complete disregard of our cultural values and believes.”
KFCB further says the film tries to indirectly influence the viewer into believing that homosexuality is a normal way of life.
The Kenyan Constitution defines marriage as a union between two persons of the opposite sex while sections 162, 163, and 164 of the Penal Code criminalize homosexuality behaviors.
“The film in question therefore overtly disregards our laws, constitution, and sensibilities as a people,” Wambua says in the statement.
KFCB further expressed concerns over an increase in audio-visual content that seeks to promote and normalize gay themes and ideologies contrary to Kenya’s laws, beliefs, and norms.
It has now issued a warning that those found involved in the exhibition, distribution, or broadcasting of the restricted Indian gay-themed film or any other restricted film will face the full force of the law.
“The board will not allow such content to be either broadcast or exhibited in Kenya. We remain vigilant to ensure that films exhibited in Kenya promote our cultural values including preserving the institution of family,” said the KFCB acting CEO.
