Spain’s Vox party pushes nationwide ban on niqab and burqa

MADRID (MNTV) — Spain’s far-right Vox has sparked renewed controversy after introducing draft legislation that would prohibit the wearing of the niqab and burqa, forms of veil used by Muslim women, in public spaces, a move widely criticised by Muslim groups and civil rights advocates as discriminatory.

The proposed measure, titled the “Law for the Protection of Women’s Dignity and Public Safety in Public Spaces,” seeks to outlaw full-face coverings across the country. Women found in violation could face fines of up to €600, with repeat offences carrying penalties as high as €30,000. 

The bill also includes prison terms of up to three years for individuals deemed to have forced women to wear such garments.

Vox argues that full-face veils represent oppression and pose security concerns. 

Experts, however, say the proposal targets a very small segment of Spain’s Muslim population while reinforcing anti-Muslim narratives ahead of the country’s 2027 general election.

The party is attempting to secure support from the centre-right People’s Party (PP). 

Opposition parties have signalled resistance. 

Together for Catalonia (Junts) has already stated it will reject the bill, and analysts say the legislation faces steep hurdles in parliament.

Spain currently has no nationwide restriction on religious face coverings. 

In 2013, the Supreme Court of Spain struck down a municipal ban in Lleida, ruling that it violated religious freedom.

Human rights organisations warn that such measures, enacted in several European countries, disproportionately affect Muslim women and risk deepening social divisions. 

Opponents of the Vox proposal argue that invoking women’s rights in this context serves to marginalise Muslim communities rather than protect them.