Proposal to ban face coverings in public spaces

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would ban wearing clothing or items that fully or partially cover the face and prevent or make it hard to identify a person in public spaces or places open to the public, such as streets, public buildings, schools, health centers and public transport.
2. The ban would not apply in specific cases: medical or health reasons, justified work or protection needs, authorized cultural, festive, traditional or sports activities, bad weather declared by the authorities, and anything a law provides for.
3. Breaking the rule would be a minor offense with a 100 euro fine, which could rise to 600 euros if repeated. Encouraging others to break it would always carry a 600 euro fine. For minor offenses, the authority could offer to replace the fine with voluntary awareness, training or social integration programs.
4. The Government, together with the autonomous communities and local entities, would promote common protocols to apply the law, and religious entities and social organizations could take part. The law would take effect twenty days after publication in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (official state gazette).

Who it affects

• Anyone in public spaces or entering buildings and services open to the public: They could not wear items that cover the face in a way that makes identification hard, except for the exceptions provided.
• People with medical, work or protection reasons: They could keep covering their face if their case fits one of the law's exceptions.
• People who break the ban: They would face 100 euro fines, up to 600 euros if repeated, or the option of joining awareness or training programs.
• Autonomous communities and city councils: They could issue their own rules within their powers, but would have to respect this law, and would help build the application protocols.

Words worth knowing

Proposición de ley

A bill introduced by a parliamentary group to become a law. It is not an approved law yet: it is still going through the legislative process.

Ley orgánica

A type of Spanish law that requires an absolute majority in Congress and is reserved for major matters, such as fundamental rights.

Infracción administrativa leve

A minor offense punished with a fine, not a crime.

Velo integral

A garment that covers the whole face, such as the burka or niqab, as the text itself mentions.

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