Atheists Society in Kenya (AIK) has faulted Kenya Films and Classification Board (KFCB) for banning the 'I am Samuel' movie after it was accused of promoting gay rights in the Country.
According to AIK, the ban deprives Kenyans of narrative diversity in matters mainstream film.
“The ban is a reflection of anti- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) attitudes that sadly, are still in full force in many African Countries including Kenya,” the statement by Harrison Mumia (AIK boss) read in part.
Mumia said that digitalization had profoundly changed the African culture and experiences that come with it.
According to him, digitalization has changed a number of things on many fronts which include; technology-based access, production and dissemination of content, in matters participation amongst individuals and creation of digital content.
On Thursday, September 23- Kenya announced that it had banned the gay documentary film which regulatory officials said was an intentional move to promote LGBTQ indicating that it was normal.
The film was produced by two Kenyans Tony Kamau and Peter Murimi.
He added that the 52-minute film, directed by Peter Murimi, shows two gay men conducting a religious marriage, and termed it as blasphemous.
In a statement, KFCB through its boss Chris Wambua said that the film blatantly violates Article 165 of the Penal Code which is against homosexuality.
“By deliberately advocating same-sex marriage in Kenya, the film blatantly violates Article 165 of the Penal Code that outlaws homosexuality, as well as the provisions of the Films and Stage, Plays Act Cap 222 of the laws of Kenya,” Wambua said.
Wambua further said that the film was trying to portray that the older generation which was once against LGBTQ was slowly buying into the practice and accepting it.
“The film had been intentionally produced to promote same-sex unions."
