Christians in the Philippines are lodging legal complaints at a drag queen who performed drag as Jesus Christ, accusing them of “desecrating their religious faith and patron."
The activists are seeking to hold the drag queen accountable for a performance they consider offensive, and are hoping government prosecutors in Manila will take the case to punish the drag queen in the court of law.
Dragging Jesus Into It
The drag queen in question is Pura Luka Vega, a popular performer in the Philippines who appeared on the Philippines drag reality show Drag Den in 2022.
Last month, they performed a musical rendition of the Lord’s Prayer dressed as what could best be described as "drag Jesus."
Video of the event has been deleted from major platforms, but screen captures show what the Vega's costume looked like:
A Blasphemous Performance?
Needless to say, the performance was not well received by many in the majority Catholic country.
Almost immediately, influential local Christian groups began denouncing the performance, with many calling for legal action against Luka.
They cite Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows” with a hefty fine and up to six years in prison.
"The drag performance of Pagente is not only terribly blasphemous, offensive, disrespectful, insulting, unacceptable, and outrageous to the Christian religion and belief, it also causes a devalued and negative image of the Lord Jesus Christ, which Christians hold in the highest veneration," the Philippines for Jesus Movement said in a formal complaint.
Shortly thereafter, another Catholic group – Nazarene Brotherhood – filed a legal complaint against Vega.
Prosecutors have yet to say whether they will pursue charges.
Persona Non Grata
Following the performance, many of the country’s most populous cities, including Manila, declared Luka “persona non grata”, a symbolic move declaring them unwelcome, but which does not legally bar them from entering.
Nevertheless, Vega has already had upcoming performances at clubs in some of those cities canceled.
Vega views things a bit differently. They personally identify as Roman Catholic, but hold the belief that “if Jesus was alive, he would love everyone,” and reject the notion "that the LGBTQIA+ community will go to hell for being gay".
And in a tweet, Vega seemingly admitted the performance was provocative, but defended it as a legitimate expression of their faith:
What do you think? Many people view blasphemy laws as a relic of the past – but that's certainly not the case in some parts of the world.
When it comes to religious speech that may be offensive, should there be any sort of legal line?
86 comments
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Kathleen Baker
We have no "state Religion". Blasphemy is a religious concept so there is no crime. Performance is a freedom of speech issue and is protected by legislation. I believe that is actually is blasphemous to portray .a middle eastern man as a rosey cheeked white gut with blue eyes. Just proves that much of christian "stuff" is so far off the mark as to make most doctrine to be questionable in validity.
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Michael Tracey
We see God relected in ourselves, so we imagine hime to be. I feel that it is arrogance to beleive that he/she will resemble me. That's why I think you are right.
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Merlin
Not any different than Salman Rushdie's "Satanic Verses". If one is offended as the Khomeini was, then there is the answer. All opinions are subjective (personal). Keep your philosophy personal with respect for others.
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Robert Domarasky
This is not blasphemy we all live once you must have enjoy life while we were here on earth and God does love all people whether you're straight gay or bi. People need to live a little bit That's the problem with life people don't know how to live and life is too short enjoy yourself!
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Minister Butterworth
Life is short. To live and enjoy life is most certainly a good idea. But eternity is not short, not at all. It is most important, for those of us concerned with the destination of our immortal souls, to enjoy our lives to the fullest while staying mindful of God's laws.
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
And what are "God's laws"? The laws in your book - that you won't eat shellfish or wear clothes of mixed fabric? Or do you feel you can safely ignore those "God's laws"?
Here's an idea - how about if we just open our eyes and recognize other people as people? How about we just acknowledge they hurt like we do, and endeavor to minimize that? Is it really that complicated? Do we need to listen to people turned to dust thousands of years ago to dictate - or in some cases contradict - what should be obvious to anybody with an ounce of empathy?
I'm just going to say it - I think if there is a God, it's intuitively obvious S/He would be vastly bigger than any book. I think anybody that seeks to shoehorn God and the universe and everyone in it down to a book has REAL issues.
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Minister Butterworth
Kenneth,
Shellfish? Mixed fabric? Have you actually read the Bible? The Bible has the old testament, the law of God, where many laws were put forth by God for people to follow. But in time God was unsatisfied with this. So God brought Jesus into the world to bring to the world the grace of God. The new testament. This is where we are living now.
Yes, people are people. Yes, we all hurt, largely due to our own choices. As Christians, we must bring the gospel to all we can. We must let people know that they are important to God, that God wants them to be a part of his flock. We must tell all people that Jesus died for us all, that our sins may be forgiven,that salvation is for all people and heaven is open to each and every person who chooses to be redeemed unto God thru Jesus christ. After one receives this knowledge, they must choose; do i convert or do i continue to live in sin. As Christians, we disapprove of many of the life choices people make. We cannot just pretend it doesn't exist. We can't patronize, participate in, etc things of sin. But we are to always treat all sinners with the love and forgiveness as stated in the Bible. To many people have the simpleminded view that disapproval equals hate. This is not true. A father may disapprove of his sons behavior but that doesn't mean he hates his son.
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
Horse hockey.
You love the sinner, not the sin? Let's say I had a peperoni pizza, but I don't like peperoni, so I take it off. Is it still what it was? To think so is delusional, just like "I love the sinner, not the sin".
I love it when the religious talk about their bigotry and prejudice. It never has a negative basis. It's just "what I believe". "I'm not saying it - God is!" "See - no hate. No judgement. But they're going to hell."
I've read the Bible. It's a real rush to think about the age of it, that it's the "Word of God". It's a very powerful, seductive feeling. Some would say even addictive. Once someone accepts that it's the "Word of God" - because it says so within it - one begins to build an identity and a worldview based on it. Slowly but inexorably, they manage to shoehorn the entire universe into their idea of it - into a neat little box called "The Holy Bible".
And then, just as you have repeatedly done here, you try one by one to shoehorn everybody else into your box too. "What's your sin?" you ask, because it's such a great source of comfort - but sadly, bigotry and prejudice aren't sins. In fact, they are required.
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Minister Butterworth
So, how many books should we use? 10? 20? I suppose one could use 1000 words when 10 would work. Then everyone could be confused. The Bible covers everything. I spread the Gospel to all i encounter. The choice can only be made by the individual.
There are those who pervert the word of God to accomplish their own ends. They are not Christians. Christians don't behave in such a way. You have heard bad things about fake Christians and YOU try to shoehorn all true Christians into your little bad box. Thats quite narrow minded. In fact, that thought process is delusional, wouldn't you say.
Bigotry and prejudice are most certainly sins. Required you say... im sure your mindset won't change from my words but you should really stop mixing true Christians with the hypocrites. It's very closed minded. But to all the Christian haters i don't guess it matters.
I am a sinner. I ask forgiveness daily. And as much as you accuse me of hate, I love all people, including you.
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
You love me too? That's very big of you MRB. Now if I would just accept the homogeneity of being a Christian, all would be right with your world.
And sorry, but the overwhelming majority of Christians believe gender divergence is a sin. Even you've said it - all while denying you think anything negative about anybody. So let me get this straight - it's just fine - in fact it's 'moral' - for somebody to hate somebody else AS LONG AS they just deny they hate them? That's quite a trick. But do you know who you aren't fooling? The people you hate.
Yes, the Bible covers everything - so that's all it takes to be adopted and the moral standard? Just have an answer for everything? It's never been easier to be a Christian - no thinking necessary! Such a high bar. Non-thinkers everywhere, rejoice!
FFS.
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Minister Butterworth
Gender divergence is a sin. I don't agree with your beliefs but i don't hate you for thinking differently than me. Many who call themselves Christians are in fact hypocrites. The true Christian hates no one. It seems to me that you are the one who needs to check your hate against Christians.
You are absolutely correct in that the Bible covers everything. The living word of God answers all.
You say non thinkers everywhere, rejoice. This is true. Like the non thinkers who can't tell the difference between Christians and fake Christians. They don't even try, just count them all together.
GBY.
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
You misunderstand me MRB.
I know some good Christians. I have some Christian friends. I respect some Christian people.
The difference is when they say they don't hate anybody - they don't.
https://www.believeoutloud.com/voices/article/clobbering-biblical-gay-bashing/
Nor do they try and run OTHER people's lives with THEIR beliefs - unlike the hypocritical Christians.
https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights
That's all it takes - is actually doing what you say - because the test of a religion isn't how comprehensive it's scripture, or how big it's congregations, or how old it's tenets - it's the quality of it's adherents. Are they helpful to humanity, or are they a pain in the rear?
Anybody can judge that - and we do.
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Minister Butterworth
Kenneth,
Q. Are you trying to say that i am a hater?
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
It's not rocket science MRB.
You can hem and haw all you want. You can call it sin, or disapproval, or piety - it all boils down to the same busy-body Gestapo that just wants to run other people's lives - because ultimately that's what it does.
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Minister Butterworth
So, it is your contention that because I do not approve of lgbtqetc, i must hate them. I don't approve of my brothers smoking cigarettes. Guess I hate him as well. Wow, that says so much. I bet you consider yourself to be an open minded person.
Gestapo, i do enjoy your use of words. Its quite colorful. I find it very interesting.
Let me come to the point. I don't want to run your life. I don't want your money. I don't want to tell what to think. What i do want is to spread the Gospel to all persons I can.
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
Because the gospel is so helpful?
To people like you.
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Minister Butterworth
Your correct, the gospel IS so helpful, to many people, to many types of people.
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
What type MRB?
Because it really seems to appeal to - should I say it? - the busybody Gestapo.
Change my mind.
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Minister Butterworth
Kenneth,
It's not up to me to change your mind. That responsibility is yours and yours alone. As a Christian i am charged with spreading the Word, the truth as according to my beliefs. Whether or not you Assimilate this is your choice.
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Robert Randolph Walker
I am an atheist. However, I believe in respect for others and their views. This person stepped over that boundary of respect. What ever laws that country has he should be prosecuted to the max!. My opinion; that is what is wrong with the world, LACK of respect for others and traditions.
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CJC
Isn't drag by definition done by the opposite sex? The Philippines has bigger problems than this...
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Rev. Jim Sutton
In a lot of places and countries, it's not the "drag" aspect that can get people into trouble, it's the actual portrayal of Jesus.
In many places and countries, it's against the law to portray Jesus in certain media or in live performance.
Look at many of the classic religious movies made here in the U.S. in the 1950's (like "Ben Hur" or "The Robe"). You never see Jesus' face.
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William Joseph Moczan
Jesus Christ is pure and innocent always. Just as God is.
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William Joseph Moczan
Fowl and disrespectful. Much of like what I seen.
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Daniel Todd Kamm
And I'm not tipping any hateful people, either....
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Sara D Carter
And here you all are passing judgement when you claim to be Christians.. your bible and your people need to practice what is preached.. Only person to judge is our maker when we are presented to him... so... ABSOLUTELY NO WAY should this person be prosecuted for expressing themselves... thought we were supposed to love thy fellow man and etc... well, this shows exactly why kids today are swaying away from the original Christian beliefs... I think Jesus would be proud of this person for being true to himself... but again... I am not the one who has the rights to judge... He will and those who don't love and show kindness will be judged as well..
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Daniel Todd Kamm
I remember many many years ago that in the Philippines every Easter, there was a ritual crucifixion conducted where a young man who was chosen and given the honor of personifying Jesus was actually nailed to a cross. I don't know if the practice survives or not.
I'm sure it was quite a show. And some people felt quite exalted with the suffering of a new "Jesus" each year in full auto-replay.
Now we have a "drag" Jesus. There are hundreds of movies and representations, prompting outrages, pickets, boycotts , and even Jesus porn out there... please. Who cares. Save your outrage for something that matters.
I'm more disturbed by the nastiness I've observed here. "Blasphemy?" Such hateful language.
Cast the first stone if you think you're so godly. "Do it in the name of heaven, you'll be justified in the end" (from the old song "One Tin Soldier.").
Feel free to burn a witch or exorcise a demon or discriminate against women or brown people too.
For me and mine: "Loving kindness I desire, not sacrifice." Hos. 6:6 "Doing charity and justice is more desirable to (no name) than sacrifice," Proverbs 21:3
Please....
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Rev Ned
The Taliban would have removed his head.
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Pastor Lawrence
Of course! This is blasphemy of the highest order. Why do Christians (Catholics in this case) continuously turn the other cheek when our faith is attacked. Hasn’t anyone noticed yet that our society is degrading horribly as a result (signs of Sodom and Gomorrah). Try pulling that with a drag Muhammad, and see what the Muslims do to you. People won’t do that because they fear the backlash, and folks respect what they fear. Us Christians need to stand up and stop allowing these horrible attacks on our religion.
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Kristi Kay Rush
I totally see this as blasphemy. You do NOT desecrate Jesus! If it’s an ‘expression of his faith’, I’m curious as to what faith he’s talking about because no where in the Bible would this be accepted. Drag Queens and their performances need to be kept out of the church and schools.
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Kathleen Baker
Every portrait of Jesus as a white guy with light colored hair and blue eyes is blasphemy. He was a middle eastern man. Darker skin, dark hair, brown eyes. The current Christian sense of history and portrayal of Jesus is so far off as to be considered heresy against the truth and therefore also blasphemy.
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Carol J VanderMiller
What happens in the Philippines should stay in the Philippines
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Jimmie D. Dickison
How weak is the Catholic Church that something like this threatens it so gravely?
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Daniel Gray
The church has nothing to do with this as in every interview these people claim they have no religion
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Angela Viera
In my opinion, it was done in poor taste no matter what, a person should not make fun of anyone's beliefs. If i don't like something, I step away. But everyone is entitled to their opinion, and as a performer, he can perform as whatever, even if its in poor taste. But he should of informed himself of that country's law. He jumped in the pan, now the fire is being lit.
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John C. Myers
Okay now do Muhammad in drag or now dress as Budda in drag. I’ll wait, pass me the popcorn
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Daniel Gray
flanagan wont do it as he knows what will happen to him if he tried this in an Islamic country. His life span would be measured in nano-seconds. Thats why he thinks its safe for him to make such stupid statements as he knows he is safe here. All one has to do it just look at the French comedy magazine when they tried to just draw an image of Islams Prophet.
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Father Flanagan
Unless there were children present this person did nothing wrong as drag is adult entertainment for predominantly homosexual men. If your religion can’t stand up to a little mockery or insult then how strong is your god? If it’s offensive to your god then your god will handle this person themselves but otherwise “who cares?” It’s not what you believe and should have no affect on you or your faith whatsoever and after the thousands of years of atrocities committed by the Catholic Church in god’s name I think they can do with some ridicule and insults!
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AnnaMarie Ingrassia
pictures of Yashuea are all idolatry to begin with. so...no, this man should not be persecuted for a statement he wanted to make visually. Frankly, this message can be read in different directions, depending on the POV of the viewer.
https://www.compellingtruth.org/pictures-of-Jesus.html
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Douglas Leaton Simmons
Ἀπόδοτε οὖν τὰ Καίσαρος Καίσαρι καὶ τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῷ Θεῷ
So render to Caesar the things of Caesar and to God the things of God.
When in Rome one must, not only, pay Roman taxes one must obey Roman laws.
The crime charged should fit the law of the land, the sentence passed appropriately. Should the law of the land you reside in disagree with you, seek to change the law not disobey it. If we knowingly disobey the law, we also know the possible consequences.
The judgement of blasphemy is for God.
Who am I to judge?
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TheSound.com
I am pretty sure Jesus would think she looks fabulous.
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Geoffrey C. Olive
No religion should have any power to punish anyone for anything! It just goes to show how weak religion is that laws of blasphemy still exist to protect religions from common sense! What a state of stupidity still exists that people end up dying or in prison for damaging a book or dressing up and mocking an historical person is something out of the medieval dark ages! Grow up humanity and reject religion for the evil it has caused for thousands of years!
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Daniel Gray
their country their laws. deal with it
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Geoffrey C. Olive
Exactly, that’s the problem, Remember the Spanish Inquisition!👎💩
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Daniel Gray
Fine then move there and get them to change their laws. Whining about it here isnt going to work.
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Geoffrey C. Olive
Stupid answer! Go there and try and change anything you disagree with!? Comparable to going to Russia to complain about their invasion of Ukraine! If I was a lawyer (are you?) then maybe I could do something about it, but I’m not! Religion has been the scourge of humanity for centuries and millennia!👎💩
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Rev Mark D
Pretty good makeup job, have to give it to him there.
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Brien
Not my country, IDK. If you live in a stupid midievil country with crazy zealot laws, you can leave the crazy country or stay and OBEY its laws. Our country went through a very bad time when we decided we wanted to be free. It was the worst loss of life our country had ever seen. And even today we are still having to fight for basic freedoms. If you want change in a backwards country then you have to fight, and even die for it. That is the price to pay. Again, topics like this just show me how terribly ignorant some people still are. Peace ✌️
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Daniel Gray
I DARE you to go there and say the same thing you posted here. I would take bets that you wont be coming back in one piece. Its a pretty safe thing for you to sit in a computer chair or on a safe couch or soft chair and look down your nose at another persons country and their laws now isnt it?
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
That's right DG - Might makes Right!
This has long been the basis of Christian morality - Believe or you will be CRUSHED. Remember the good 'ol days when you could help God out with that? So sad how times change.
But it seems that's the only thing some people respect; Force. Intimidation. Compulsion. Violence. That's what makes something right, isn't it - if they can make you do it.
Thank you for illustrating that so clearly.
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Daniel Gray
Just as I thought. You have VERY IGNORANT people trying to defend this travesty. And this guy is going to get nailed and badly "Crimes against religious worship" are stated under section four of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. Under article 132 and 133, respectively, "interruption of religious worship" and "offending the religious feelings" are punishable by law." Which means this guy is set to go to a Philippine prison. And from what I have seen documentaries about these prisons, Hell would be a safer place and actually allow him to do his time and come out as a normal person and not a changed man who would wear makeup all day and get passed around for a desert.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Daniel, I agree. It is a Phillipine legal issue and too many are trying to overlay US laws which doesn't compute. As I was reading the post, I wonder if they banned the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" for the very sensuous scene between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. If not, and they just consider that part of an art or craft, then they are being very hypocritical. There are many depictions of God and Jesus as well as other religious figures that I find offensive, so who is to judge what is offensive or not? I just wonder where that slippery slope leads.
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Rev. Mike Eggleston
Presuming "God" needs man to protect it is the ultimate in blasphemy. If God doesn't like what he does, then surely God could take action itself.
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Rev Mark D
Egleston, you know that's pretty good and it reminds me of that Star Trek movie, the one where Kirk asks the guy who is "God," "What does God need with a starship?"
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Colleen McAllister
I cannot speak to the Philippine law but will say that I do consider this blasphemy. As Jesus was a real person it is also disrespectful to His person.
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Rev Mark D
You know that reminds me, why did you need to mock jesus? What was the need for that? Could he just comes as his or whatever character he wanted to be, or just make one up?
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Douglas Robert Spindler
As young people hear this story they just laugh at how intolerable Christians area. They just are no fun and have no sense of humor. Why would anyone want to be a Christian?
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Leanore Shepherd
Being Christian is the following of Christ and his words and deeds. He never, never said only those who look like you or act like you are to loved. Nope. ALL are to loved. If one believes that he looks like everyone, then why not drag? This is all such nonsense. Stand and be a follower, the term used so the disciples would not be persecuted.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Actually there were some scrolls found that describe Jesus as bisexual and state that he had sexual relationships with several of his ‘disciples’ and gives an alternate meaning to the ‘Come unto me’ statement. Also that Judas betraying him was a result of jealousy. Just because Jesus identified as the son of god, well………
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Carol J VanderMiller
Interesting when you post something that you are unable to exactly reference with specific doctrine, chapter, verse. Additionally it is well known that often translations are the voice of the translator, not exactly as it was meant when written
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
The information I mentioned was in some of the Dead Sea Scrolls. They just weren’t chosen to be included in the KJV.
Interesting how the word ‘version’ was included, huh? Seems to go well beyond the ‘voice of the translator’. Does this mean that perhaps ‘turn the other cheek’ could have originally indicated that Jesus was into S&M?
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Tareq Asfour
Good News ! Keep up the great work Philippines ! Amen !
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Robert White
He deserves our prayers for the enemy has him in a grip
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
The Monty Python Loretta skit taken to the national stage.
The skit holds up better than ever - if you know what the skit is actually about.
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Rev Mark D
That was not even the Romans' fault.
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Alun Lloyd Palmer
I don't think the law they are relying on can be read onto this atall. It's not a blasphemy law and they have no case.
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Rev. Mike Eggleston
This is the sort of thing we can expect when Christians have the power to affect legislation.
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Daniel Gray
Um yes they do, you need to associate yourself with the laws of that land and stop trying to inject our laws on them
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Daniel Gray
here is proof that you are ignorant. "Crimes against religious worship" are stated under section four of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. Under article 132 and 133, respectively, "interruption of religious worship" and "offending the religious feelings" are punishable by law.
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Rev Mark D
"Dragging Jesus into it"?
Look whatever the law is over there, it's a legal matter.
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Nicholas J Page
Disgusting.
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Rev. Mike Eggleston
I agree. It's disgusting that he's being persecuted by Christian bigots.
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Robert Gagnon
It's not America so don't comment on rights. He knew what he was getting into and if they don't string him up he can always go to a Muslim country as drag Mohammad.
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Angelic Realms
Good.. He is bigoted and mocking Christians. It's gross. God had a son and not a bathhouse ladyboy. He wasn't sent to be anything but a messenger. For the grace of humanity. If you don't believe it do something else. He isn't innocent. Only prostitutes wore make up in the biblical times.
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Michael Hunt
He's a Roman Catholic so he's mocking and bigoted towards his own beliefs? That doesn't seem to hold water. Also insinuating that drag performers are the same as "bathhouse ladyboys" is just ignorant because drag performers are not being paid for sex, they're just singing and dancing.
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Daniel Gray
Sorry but he claims he has NO religion association. Caught in a lie yet again trying to defend this disgrace.
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James Riggle-Johnson
Daniel Gray, copied from the article above... "They personally identify as Roman Catholic". How is Michael Hunt's comment a lie? Do you intentionally try to be rude or is it by accident?
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Daniel Gray
And read from the Philippine Daily Inquirer or the Manila Bulletin, the two most read and sold newspapers in the Philippines, where BOTH of them did an interview with these people and not ONE of them claimed to be Roman Catholic. So who do we listen to, the words from their own mouth or the article above? Or if you dont want to take their word for it then go to the largest TV station in the country GMA Network and get a copy of the interview done with these people and listen to them DENY being Roman Catholic as you try and claim
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Kenneth Lafe Eric Sanderson
Did they claim not to be Santa's elves?
There you have it, straight from their own mouths - they are Santa's Elves!
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Rev Mark D
Gray, he's an entertainer that's all and he's entertaining, it's his craft. Nothing more to it.
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Daniel Gray
Seems the laws over there dont quite agree with you
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Rev Mark D
Egleston, you know that's pretty good and it reminds me of that Star Trek movie, the one where Kirk asks the guy who is "God," "What does God need with a starship?"
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Rev Mark D
Mocking Christians? So what? Mock him back.
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Angelic Realms
Good it's mocking and booted.
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Paul Johnson
When you embrace the enemy he now has a host to work with and anything can come about. choices have consequences.
"If you are easily offended, then you will be." Said a wise prefomer I was saw. Something being "offensive" is by its very definition a personal thing. I may be offended that you drink coffee, but if I am then that is MY problem and my trying to force you to stop drinking coffee because it offends me is the height of huberous.
If something is offensive to you, fine be offended. But do the entire world a favour and keep your offendedness to yourself, it is yours not mine and I do not need to know about it.
The religions of our world teach us to be tolerent, forgiving, understanding and loving. These Christian orginazations that are attacking this person are displaying NONE of these qualities. A deep cleansing breath and a realization that this artists portrail of Jesus is not what they beleive is what is in order here. She is merely making a comment. Fine, that is allowed.
Her view of Jesus is not the same as mine, but then mine is not likely to be the same as yours either.
Peace, Love, Paitence