Balearic Islands Push for Burka Ban, Sparking Debate Across Spain
The Balearic Parliament on Tuesday approved a non-binding proposal urging the Spanish central government to prohibit the wearing of burkas in public spaces. The initiative, supported by the People’s Party (PP) and Vox, passed despite opposition from left-wing parties, including the PSOE.
The proposal includes four points, explicitly condemning abuses such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation, and specifically calls on the government of Pedro Sánchez to “promote the legislative and regulatory reforms necessary to prohibit the wearing of the full Islamic veil in all public buildings and facilities.”
PP deputy Cristina Gil argued during a parliamentary debate that the burka represents “a cruel discrimination, a woman trapped in a prison of fabric.” She emphasized that “a democratic and pluralistic state cannot remain indifferent to cultural, religious models, or traditions that are contrary to non-negotiable principles.”
Opposition parties criticized the move, alleging an underlying islamophobia
driving the legislative effort. Marga Prohens, the leader of Vox, celebrated the vote on social media, calling it “a brave step in the commitment to equality.”
Opposition Voices Concerns Over Potential for Discrimination
Lluís Apesteguía, spokesperson for Més per Mallorca, framed the vote as part of a “war between the right and the far-right in the Balearic Islands” to see who can be “more racist and generate more hatred.” He warned of hypothetical scenarios where a woman might be denied access to healthcare if unable to wear a burka or niqab.
Socialist deputy Teresa Suárez acknowledged that the full veil is a sexist garment that “subjugates women,” but criticized what she described as the PP’s “obsession” with “embracing and normalizing” hate speech. “This is a war to see who is more racist,” she stated.
Vox, however, considers the approved text to be insufficient. Deputy Sergio Rodríguez lamented that the call for a ban does not extend to the hijab, which leaves the woman’s face visible. He cautioned that “discrimination against women cannot be measured by the centimeters of fabric that a particular religion obliges them to wear.”
The debate extends beyond the Balearic Islands. On November 15, 2025, Vox proposed a ban on burkas and niqabs in public spaces across Valencia, coinciding with ongoing negotiations regarding similar legislation.
In October 2025, Vox also proposed a ban on hijabs in state schools across the Balearic Islands, alongside a proposal to end Islamic religious lessons.
The issue of Islamic headdresses in Europe has been a source of controversy for years, with various countries grappling with legal restrictions ranging from partial to full bans. Some countries already have laws prohibiting masks in public, which can be applied to face-covering veils. The debate often centers on issues of religious freedom, security, and gender equality.
As of today, , the Balearic Islands’ proposal is a non-binding motion urging the central government to act. The Spanish Congress of Deputies would need to approve any organic law implementing a nationwide ban.
