Supporters slammed the arrest of drag performer Pura Luka Vega over their controversial performance of worship song, Ama Namin.
Pura Luka, or Amadeus Fernando Pagente in real life, was reportedly arrested by local authorities at their residence in Sta. Cruz Manila on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 4.
According to the police report, the former Drag Den Philippines contestant was arrested for charges of immoral doctrines obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows in relation to section 6 of the Republic Act No. 10175
Pura Luka’s arrest was brought about by complaints and backlash against their viral performance of a remixed version of Ama Namin while dressed as Jesus Christ.
In the immediate aftermath of the arrest, the hashtag #FreePuraLukaVega started to trend as supporters and fellow drag queens joined forces to demand their release.
The hashtag quickly gained momentum, joining the country’s trending list on X (formerly Twitter) as online users raised awareness about the injustices faced by LGBTQ+ individuals like Pura Luka Vega in the country.
DRAG IS NOT A CRIME! FREE PURA LUKA VEGA! pic.twitter.com/9JILK27Aqp
— rod singh (@iamrodafrog) October 4, 2023
#FREEPURALUKAVEGA pic.twitter.com/MPHuXHlXHo
— #FREEPURALUKAVEGA (@jedmarcueto) October 4, 2023
Today is supposed to be a celebration of drag and DIVERSITY. But some people want to use this opportunity to divert our attention AWAY from bigger and pressing issues. We shouldn't live in a world where our artistic expression and freedom is suppressed. #FreePuraLukaVega
— Shewarma (@shewarmarise) October 4, 2023
it all boils down to homophobia. you bigots would give a pass to hets if they do something that would “hurt” your religious feelings but would go all out if a member of the lgbt+ community does it. #freepuralukavega
— jc #FreePuraLukaVega (@bohosiseol) October 4, 2023
Arresting Pura Luka Vega is a blatant testimony that the law in the Philippines is not meant to protect but to persecute those who can’t protect themselves. #FreePuraLukaVega #DragRacePH
— ace so (@lostsymbol) October 4, 2023
