Local Ban on Muslim Prayers in Public Spaces Sparks Nationwide Controversy

Local Ban on Muslim Prayers in Public Spaces Sparks Nationwide Controversy
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A local council decision in the Spanish town of Jumilla, Murcia, has sparked nationwide controversy after it voted to ban religious events in sports facilities. Critics argue the measure disproportionately affects the Muslim community, which lacks official places of worship.

Spain’s central government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has given the council one month to reverse the decision, warning it may challenge the law in court for violating constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion. The Spanish constitution, under Article 16.1, protects religious and ideological freedom unless it threatens public order.

The move has provoked widespread debate across political and religious circles. The Catholic Church publicly rejected the ban, affirming freedom of faith as a fundamental right, while far-right Vox attacked the Church for supporting humanitarian groups aiding migrants. The Socialist Party (PSOE) strongly condemned the measure, calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional.

The controversy follows recent anti-Muslim attacks in Torre Pacheco and adds to growing concerns over rising Islamophobia in Spain. Jumilla’s Muslim community, representing over 7% of the local population, has expressed particular vulnerability. The decision comes amid broader disputes over religious expression, including a recent ban on burkinis in a public pool in Ripoll, Catalonia—moves critics say fuel division and stigmatization.