Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has banned an Indian produced film dubbed ‘Badhaai Do’ from exhibiting within the country over its promotion of same sex marriage. 

KFCB says the gay-film propagates a world-view that is in dissonance with Kenya’s Constitution and values. 

Acting Chief Executive Officer Christopher Wambua, said KFCB had received the 147-minute drama comedy film, to examine and classify before public exhibition in cinema theatres.  

Wambua said that upon examination by both the Board’s internal and external examiners, while basing on the existing classifiable elements and standard guidelines the film failed the test. 

Gay themes

“The law has vested KFCB with the responsibility of classifying all film content intended for public exhibition and while undertaking this mandate, the Board has noted an increase in audio-visual content that seeks to normalise gay themes and ideologies,” said Wambua. 

KFCB claimed the producers of the film intentionally attempted to portray same-sex marriage as an acceptable way of life. 

“The gay and lesbian characters film explicitly seek to normalise their feelings for each other and ultimately convince the families to embrace them.

The multiple scenes of lesbian and gay affection depicted in the film are in complete disregard of our cultural values and beliefs,” Wambua stated. 

He stated that the Constitution defines marriage as a union between persons of the opposite sex, adding that, Sections 162, 163 and 165 of the Penal Code criminalises homosexual behaviour and that the film overtly disregards Kenya’s laws, constitution and sensibilities as a people.  

“While adults and people who subscribe to the LGBTQ+ may have a right to choose what they consume within the parameters of the law, children and other vulnerable segments of society are at the risk of being corrupted,” he added. 

Gay themes

He warned that any attempt to exhibit, distribute, broadcast or posses the Restricted film or any other Restricted film within the Republic of Kenya shall be met with the full force of the law, stating that the Board remains vigilant to ensure that films exhibited in Kenya promote our cultural values including preserving the institution of family. 

Wambua urged local and international filmmakers to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Films and Stage Plays Act by acquiring filming licences, and submitting their content for examination and classification for age suitability before public exhibition.