Spanish Right Proposes Ban on Niqab, Burqa Ahead of Castile and León Elections

Spanish Right Proposes Ban on Niqab, Burqa Ahead of Castile and León Elections
—————————–
Spain’s right-wing parties, the People’s Party (PP) and Vox, have submitted a proposal to parliament seeking to ban the wearing of the niqab and burqa in public spaces, including private properties visible from the street, ahead of regional elections in Castile and León scheduled for March 15.

PP spokesperson Ester Muñoz said her party would vote in favor of the initiative. Vox, led by Santiago Abascal, said the proposal aims to protect what it described as women’s dignity and public safety, citing concerns over immigration and its impact on practices in public spaces.

The proposal explicitly excludes the Islamic headscarf that covers only the hair and neck, focusing instead on full-face veils such as the niqab and burqa, which cover the body and face while leaving only the eyes visible.

Under the draft text, penalties of between 18 months and three years in prison would apply to anyone who forces a woman to wear a niqab or burqa through coercion or intimidation. Sentences could increase to up to four years if the victim is considered vulnerable, including minors, people with disabilities, or those with illnesses.

The bill is due to be debated in a plenary session of the Spanish Congress next Tuesday, amid ongoing debate over balancing freedom of religion with public safety and shared civic values.