Spain's Lleida bans full-face coverings in public, fines up to 750 euros

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Lleida in Spain has banned clothing that fully covers the face in public places. Under the new civic bylaw, garments such as the burqa and the niqab that cover the face completely can now attract action. The decision has reignited debate in Spain over religious freedom, rules for public life and women's rights.

The new bylaw approved by the Lleida municipality bans the use of any clothing or garment that fully covers the face in public places. The rule does not name the burqa or niqab directly, but both fall under the category of full-face coverings. Breaking the rule can draw a fine of 400 to 750 euros. However, religious sites and matters linked to certain social practices or fundamental rights have been kept outside its scope.

This is not the first time Lleida has tried to impose such a restriction. In 2010 too, the city had banned full-face coverings in public places, but Spain's Supreme Court struck down that rule in 2013. The court had then questioned whether local administrations had the right to restrict fundamental rights such as religious freedom. Because of this, whether the new bylaw will hold up legally has itself become a subject of debate.

Lleida's decision comes at a time when some European countries are tightening rules around the burqa and niqab. Differing opinions on the subject keep surfacing around issues such as public safety, social interaction, women's rights and religious freedom. The rule approved in Lleida has reignited this debate. The municipality says the decision was taken to promote social interaction and a sense of coexistence among citizens in public life, while groups opposing it have raised questions about religious freedom and how fairly the rule will be enforced.

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