Spain Prepares Burqa Ban, Portugal to Follow; European Debate Intensifies

Calls to restrict Muslim women from wearing burqas and face coverings in public are gaining momentum across Europe. In Spain, the parliament of the Balearic Islands has voted in favor of a proposal urging the national government to ban burqas and veils in public spaces.

Support and Opposition

The proposal received backing from representatives of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, and was supported by the conservative People’s Party (Partido Popular) and the far-right Vox Party. Vox even called for a ban on hijabs, though this demand faced opposition from both sides. Spain is home to roughly 3 million Muslims, with significant populations in Catalonia, Madrid, Valencia, and Andalusia. Several groups have criticized the Balearic parliament’s move as discriminatory.

Portugal Likely to Implement Similar Law

In Portugal, lawmakers recently voted on a similar proposal restricting face coverings in public. The measure is currently before a parliamentary committee and will then be sent to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who may either sign it into law or refer it to the Constitutional Court.

Penalties for Violations

If enacted, the law would ban covering the face in public, with fines of up to €4,000 (approximately ₹4.25 lakh) for violators. Forcing someone else to wear a face-covering could result in up to three years in prison.

Europe’s Existing Burqa and Face-Covering Restrictions

Several European countries have already imposed full or partial bans on burqas and face coverings in public spaces:

• France – First European country to ban full-face coverings
• Belgium – Ban in public spaces
• Austria – Full-face coverings prohibited
• Denmark – Ban in public spaces
• Switzerland – Prohibition on face coverings
• Netherlands – Partial ban (schools, hospitals)
• Germany – Partial ban
• Italy – Local-level restrictions in urban areas
• Bulgaria – Ban in public spaces

The moves in Spain and Portugal signal a continuing trend in Europe toward limiting religious face coverings, sparking debates over security, integration, and religious freedom.