On Friday, the Vox party submitted an urgent proposal to the Valencian regional parliament (Les Corts) to ban the wearing of burqas and niqabs in public places. This move coincided with active negotiations between the People’s Party (PP) and Vox regarding the appointment of a new head of the autonomous government following the departure of Carlos Mazón. Juanfran Pérez Llorca, current PPCV secretary and Les Corts representative, has been nominated for the position.
In the document, registered as an urgent initiative, Vox argues that such clothing undermines women’s dignity. The party demands amendments to national legislation to fully ban the wearing of burqas and niqabs in public spaces, as well as administrative and criminal penalties for violating this ban. Special attention is paid to cases when parents or guardians force others to wear these garments.
The proposal also calls for changes to the law on the rights and freedoms of foreigners, so that repeated violations would automatically result in deportation. Vox insists on harsher penalties for those who impose such practices on others, including appropriate amendments to the Criminal Code.
Context and response to the initiative
This move by Vox follows their ongoing policy to restrict religious symbols in public spaces. Previously, the party had proposed banning not only the burqa and niqab but also other forms of Islamic clothing. However, the latest initiative addresses only the two most concealing garments. The party argues that such measures are necessary to protect equality, security, and cultural identity.
At the same time, the issue is being discussed against the backdrop of complex negotiations between PP and Vox regarding the region’s future leadership. The introduction of such a high-profile proposal right now may be an attempt to strengthen the party’s position in coalition talks and draw attention to issues of integration and security.
Related initiatives and possible consequences
In addition to the ban on religious clothing, Vox also proposed amending the social assistance law so that recipients would be required to learn Spanish, undergo training, and refrain from any practices that may infringe upon the rights of women and children. Furthermore, the party is demanding tougher penalties for illegal occupation of housing, equating it with especially serious offenses.
If Vox’s proposals are approved, this could lead to significant changes in the lives of Muslim women and immigrants in the region. The question of balancing individual rights with public safety has once again come to the forefront of public discussion. The initiative is expected to spark heated debates both in parliament and among the general public.
