A Controversial Case Raises Questions about Freedom of Expression; Philippine Drag Artist Arrested for ‘Offending Religion’
GHRTV
06-10-2023
Anna Vu kim
Southeast Asia and Pacific and Human Rights Researchers
Global Human Rights Defence
Earlier this week, Philippine law enforcement took into custody the renowned drag artist Amadeus Fernando Pagente, popularly known as Pura Luka Vega in connection with charges linked to a viral video of her performance from July. In the said video, Vega presents a rendition of the Lord's Prayer set to a rock version of "Ama Namin," while attired in an outfit reminiscent of Jesus Christ. This video stirred significant controversy within the Philippines, prompting criticism from various religious figures and legislators. Vega was arrested in Manila on October 4, 2023, after being accused of “offending religion”. The incident brings to the forefront a longstanding debate surrounding the tension between freedom of expression and religious sensitivities. While freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, it is not without limitations. In many countries, including the Philippines, laws exist to protect religious beliefs from being openly insulted or ridiculed.
However, the enforcement of such laws can be problematic, as it often involves subjective judgments about what constitutes 'offensive' or 'blasphemous' content.
The arrest of a drag artist also underscores the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in many parts of the world, including the Philippines. Drag artistry is a form of self-expression and an integral part of LGBTQ+ culture. Arrests like this can be seen as an attempt to suppress LGBTQ+ voices and further marginalize an already vulnerable community.
Sources and further reading:
Al Jazeera (October 06, 2023). Philippines’ drag artist Pura Luka Vega arrested for ‘offending religion’
Retrieved on October 06, 2023, from
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/philippines-drag-artist-pura-luka-vega-arrested-for-offending-religion
Elemia, C. (July 14, 2023). Show featuring Jesus Christ in drag causes uproar in Philippines
Retrieved on October 06, 2023, from
https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/dance-controversy-07142023123712.html
Ng, K. (October, 06.2023). Philippines 'Jesus' drag queen arrested for obscenity.
Retrieved on October 06, 2023, from
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67025750
Sy Cua, A.J. and Agence France-Presse (October 06, 2023). Filipino drag artist's arrest draws jeers, cheers
Retrieved on October 06, 2023, from
https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/10/05/news/filipino-drag-artists-arrest-draws-jeers-cheers/1913331
Thoreson, R. (October 05, 2023). Philippine Drag Artist Arrested for ‘Offending Religion’
Retrieved on October 06, 2023, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/05/philippine-drag-artist-arrested-offending-religion
