After initially approving the play María Maricón for performances on 30–31 January 2025 at the Cultural Center of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture revoked its authorisation, citing non-compliance with Law 30870, which requires cultural content to align with community traditions. This led to the festival’s cancellation . The mayor of Lima and several congress members opposed the play, claiming it was anti-Catholic. The play’s creator and protagonist explained that the play portrays the life of a homosexual person raised in a Catholic environment.
The Ministry of Culture’s revocation of the authorization, followed by the university’s cancellation of the festival, suggests political and institutional pressure that restricts artists’ right to express ideas, especially those that address sensitive topics such as sexual diversity and religion. This action directly affects cultural creators and the public seeking access to diverse and critical artistic expression.