Lleida approves new restrictions on burqa and niqab in public spaces

Lleida City Council has given its initial approval to a modification to its Civic Conduct and Coexistence Ordinance that would prohibit clothing that completely covers the face in public spaces, including the burqa and niqab.

The measure replaces the city's existing 2007 ordinance and was backed by the governing Socialists, along with Junts and Vox.

The Socialists said the regulation "not only restricts conduct, but also protects freedoms," while Junts and Vox welcomed the provision restricting face-covering garments.

The PP voted against, arguing that the ordinance does not actually ban the garments "but rather permits and regulates them."

ERC and Comúdelleida also opposed the measure, criticising what they described as its "punitive" approach.

Exceptions

The ordinance does not specifically name the burqa or niqab.

Instead, it prohibits "any item of clothing, garment or other attire that conceals the face in public spaces."

Wearing such clothing is classified as a minor offence, carrying a fine of between €400 and €750.

There are, however, exceptions. The restriction does not apply in places of worship, in situations where covering the face is normal or customary according to accepted social practices, or when covering the face is done in the exercise of a fundamental right.

The measure comes more than a decade after Spain's Supreme Court overturned a similar Lleida ban, ruling in 2013 that a municipality could not restrict the fundamental right to religious freedom through a local ordinance alone.

The new wording and its exceptions could therefore face legal scrutiny if challenged.

More generally, the new ordinance provides for fines of between €400 and €3,000 for uncivic behaviour and includes tougher penalties for repeat offences.