Bill would ban full-face veils in public and transfer powers to Catalonia

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would ban wearing garments in public spaces that cover the face totally or substantially and prevent identifying the person. It expressly mentions the niqab and the burka.
2. Public space would include the street and any space open to or used by the public, including transportation, administrative offices and facilities open to the public.
3. The ban would not apply for accredited health reasons, under workplace safety rules, in justified sports, cultural, festive or traditional activities, or when an authority requires protective equipment. When identification is needed, the person would have to briefly uncover the face.
4. The bill would delegate to the Generalitat de Catalunya executive powers over security, including functions in ports and airports, border control, and issuing the DNI, passport and NIENIE Número de Identidad de Extranjero, the ID number for foreigners in Spain..
5. Rules of equal or lower rank that conflict with the law would be repealed, and the law would take effect the day after its publication in the official state gazette.

Who it affects

• People who wear face-covering garments, such as the niqab or burka: They could not wear them in public spaces, except for the stated exceptions.
• The Generalitat de Catalunya and the Mossos d'Esquadra police: They would receive delegated powers over security, border control and issuing identity documents.
• Anyone who needs to identify themselves to access public services: They would have to briefly uncover their face before the authority or authorized staff.

Words worth knowing

Ley orgánica (organic law)

A type of Spanish law used to regulate fundamental rights. It requires a special majority in Congress to pass.

Proposición de ley

A bill introduced by a parliamentary group. It is not a law until it is passed.

NIE

Número de Identidad de Extranjero, the ID number for foreigners in Spain.

Derogar (repeal)

To cancel a previous rule so it no longer applies.

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