In light of recent discussions surrounding the proposal by at least three lawmakers to establish religious holidays for both Christianity and Islam, I wish to raise a firm and reasoned objection to this bill. While the intention may be rooted in promoting inclusivity, the consequences could further fragment an already fragile national structure.
Liberia, as a sovereign republic, was founded on constitutional principles—not on religious laws. Our founding fathers, though Christians, envisioned a secular democratic state guided by a supreme law, not a divine mandate. Christian holidays are observed today, not because they represent a religious dominance, but because of the historical trajectory and cultural origins of our nation. The introduction of Islamic holidays, under the premise of equality, risks creating a precedent that opens the floodgates to further religious demands in governance—a path that leads to division, not unity.
Respect for the Constitution Over Religious Law
A fundamental question arises: will Liberian Muslims prioritize the Constitution of the Republic, which guarantees freedom and equality, or the Sharia law, which many of them claim to be superior as the direct law of Allah? Sharia, by design, governs every aspect of life in Islamic societies—from personal conduct to criminal justice. It is not merely about religious observance, but about a comprehensive system that often stands in direct contradiction to constitutional values such as gender equality, democratic governance, and human rights.
If we begin legislating in favor of one religious’ tradition, we must ask: what is the end goal? Will we eventually have dual legal systems, one secular and one religious? That is a slippery slope Liberia cannot afford to tread.
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