Spanish Muslims Condemn ‘Racist’ Ban on Islamic Celebrations

Spanish Muslims Condemn ‘Racist’ Ban on Islamic Celebrations
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Spanish Muslim communities are condemning a decision by the local council of Jumilla, Murcia, to ban Islamic celebrations from being held in municipal sports facilities, The New Arab reported. The move, proposed by the far-right Vox party, puts a stop to a practice that has been in place for decades.

According to the article, the council’s decision was justified on the grounds that Islamic celebrations are “foreign” and “incompatible with Spain’s customs and identity.” The ban will affect key holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

The action has been met with shock and criticism from Muslim leaders and human rights advocates. Walid Habbal, coordinator of the Islamic Commission of Murcia, described the ban as a “lack of respect” and a “step backwards.” The Moroccan Association for the Integration of Immigrants called the decision an “antidemocratic drift,” warning that such measures violate constitutional rights and could fuel hate speech.

The article also notes that a similar proposal by the Vox party in the city of Murcia was rejected by the right-wing People’s Party, which deemed the language as “sectarian.”