Filipino drag artist Pura Luka Vega has led their arrest for violating the country’s laws on obscenity, blasphemy, and cybercrime. They dressed as Jesus Christ and performed a rock remix of the Lord’s Prayer. Here’s what you should know about Pura Luka Vega and their case.
Who is Pura Luka Vega?
Pura Luka Vega is the stage name of Amadeus Fernando Pagente, a 33-year-old drag artist who started doing drag in 2017.
They were a contestant on Drag Den, a local drag competition show, and finished last in the first season.
They are also an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and artistic freedom.
Pura Luka Vega’s drag name is inspired by several sources: Pura Villanueva Kalaw, a Filipino beauty queen; luka-luka, a Tagalog word for crazy; and Suzanne Vega, an American singer who sang a song named “Luka”.
They wear a beard and do not conform to any gender norms.
They believe that drag is political and that practicing the artform is inherently expressing a political statement.
What did Pura Luka Vega do?
In July 2023, the celebrity performed a rock remix of the Lord’s Prayer, or “Ama Namin” in Filipino, while wearing a Jesus-inspired outfit in a bar in Manila.
They shared a video of their performance on X, formerly known as Twitter, which went viral and sparked outrage among many Christian groups and individuals in the Philippines.
Pura Luka Vega claimed that they did the performance as a means to challenge the notion of “praise and worship” and not intended as an act of blasphemy.
They said that they grew up with a religious background and still practice their faith in their own way.
However, many religious leaders and lawmakers condemned the act as blasphemous, profane and sacrilegious.
They said that religious symbols and imagery are not for entertainment purposes and that Pura Luka Vega desecrated their faith and patron.
Why was Pura Luka Vega arrested?
In August 2023, the Philippines for Jesus Movement filed a criminal complaint against Pura , a Protestant church leader, for violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code and Section 4© of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
In September, the Nazarene Brotherhood filed a second complaint, accusing him of violating Article 201, Section 4©, and Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code.
On October 4, 2023, the celebrity was arrested in Manila without prior notice or warrant, and detained at Manila Police District Station 3 pending further investigation by prosecutors.
What are the reactions to Pura Luka Vega’s arrest?
Pura Luka Vega’s arrest has sparked mixed reactions from various sectors of society. Some support her right to artistic expression, while others applaud authorities for upholding the law and protecting religious sensibilities.
Many drag queens and LGBTQIA+ community members have rallied behind her and called for her release, using the hashtag #FreePuraLukaVega on X.
International drag artists, such as Manila Luzon from RuPaul’s Drag Race, have also joined the campaign.
Human rights groups and lawyers have criticized her arrest as a violation of due process and freedom of expression, warning that her case could set a dangerous precedent for censorship and persecution of artists and activists.
Religious groups and politicians have welcomed her arrest as a necessary action to uphold morality and respect for religion.
