Atheists In Kenya (AIK) have called for the legalisation of same sex marriages to be among the proposed amendments to the constitution being pushed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
AIK stated that they will back constitutional changes to see to changes of article 45 (2) of the constitution changed for marriage to be between any two consenting adults irrespective of sexual orientation.
“We also ask parliament to review the Penal Code and expunge sections that criminalized homosexual behaviour, in particular, section 162, 163 and 165 of the Penal Code. If need be, we will challenge the penal code in court,” a statement by AIK vice president Daisy Siongok read in part.
The Atheists group further condemned Kenya Films Classification Board (KFCB) for banning a Kenyan film Rafiki on grounds that it promotes homosexuality.
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“It aims to promote homophobia, stigma and discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals in Kenya,” Siongok stated.
“It is not lost on us that religious institutions in Kenya are principally the ones against gay or lesbian marriages. Mr Ezekiel Mutua is being driven by religious biases when addressing these issues,” she added.
The director of Rafiki, Wanuri Kahiu termed 'unfortunate' the ban on her film, which is the first Kenyan film to be screened at Cannes Film Festival.
"It was a good thing to have this film because it recognises the long-time handiwork of us Kenyans, but it is unfortunate that it was banned. It is basically from a short story book called Jambula Tree, which in 2007 became a prize winner and it was not banned," Wanuri stated.
"What the ban means is that there is no single adult in Kenya who will be able to watch it. What we intended to communicate about is a reflection of society, some of whose lifestyles you may not agree with, some of whose beliefs you may not agree with. However, we have the right of the constitution to redefine ourselves we also have the right of the constitution to express the freedom of speech," she added.
Kahiu maintained that was disappointed by the ban which she termed as KFCB's way of denying adults the opportunity to decide whether they will or they will not watch the movie the film which will be shown around the world but not in Kenya.
[caption caption="Statement by AIK"]
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