Netflix stops streaming LGBTQ-specific movies in Kenya
Kenya and Netflix Africa have signed an agreement that ends the streaming of LGBTQ-specific movies in compliance with the country’s laws.
The agreement allowing Netflix to self-classify movies streamed in Kenya by restricting the LGBTQ-specific content was officially signed in February this year after talks that began in October 2021.
An official at Kenya’s film regulator, the Kenya Film Classification Board, told Washington Blade that Netflix has already paid for a films distribution license within the country and it is currently under processing. “After signing the agreement, they (Netflix) are already developing a classification system that is aligned with the local classification standards so that every film on Netflix will be Kenyan ratings once it is in place,” the official said.
The Kenya Film Classification Board considers LGBTQ-specific content under the “restricted category” that is not allowed for broadcast, exhibition and distribution to the public because it glorifies, normalizes, promotes and propagates homosexuality against the law. “The developed system must be brought to KFCB to confirm whether it generates results that are aligned with our local classification system before the board adopts the ratings,” the official stated.
