Proposal to ban the niqab and burka in public spaces

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would ban wearing the face coverings known as the niqab and burka in public spaces, or in private places open to the public.
2. Anyone who forces another person to wear these garments through violence, intimidation or coercion would face one and a half to three years in prison. If the victim is a minor, ill or has a disability, the sentence would rise to two and a half to four years.
3. The citizen security law would be amended to punish wearing the niqab or burka as a serious offense, and repeat offenses as a very serious one. Parents or guardians who force a minor to wear them would also be punished.
4. If the offender is a foreign national, the bill provides for expulsion from Spain in all cases.

Who it affects

• Women and girls who wear, or are forced to wear, the niqab or burka: They could not wear these garments in public spaces, and anyone forcing them could be punished.
• Parents or guardians: They could be sanctioned if they force a minor to wear these garments.
• Foreign nationals: They could be expelled from Spain for repeating this conduct.

Words worth knowing

Proposición de ley

A bill introduced by a parliamentary group. It is not yet approved.

Ley orgánica

A type of Spanish law used to regulate fundamental rights; it requires a higher majority to pass.

Nicab y burka

Garments that cover a woman's face; the niqab leaves only the eyes visible.

Expulsión del territorio nacional

A measure requiring a foreign national to leave Spain.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries