Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the People’s Party in Spain, has declared his support for a ban on the burka and niqab, which only allows the eyes to be seen, in public spaces. However, he firmly opposes a ban on the hijab, the headscarf worn by Muslim women, asserting that it does not undermine women’s dignity or public safety. Feijóo’s comments followed increased attention to this matter in light of proposals from the political party Vox, which aims to prohibit Islamic veiling in all public spaces.

In various European countries, including France, Belgium, and Austria, laws exist prohibiting the complete veil in public settings, while no such prohibition is currently enforced in Spain. Feijóo stated that any attire harming women’s dignity or public safety should be banned, which he argues is applicable to the burka and niqab but not the hijab. He maintains that the hijab does not pose a threat to women’s dignity or public safety and supports its continued acceptance in Spanish society.

The controversy comes after a motion passed in Jumilla, Murcia, suggesting a ban on certain religious activities in sports facilities. Feijóo clarified that the motion does not target any specific religion and is meant to ensure that these facilities are reserved for sporting activities only. While some within Vox have expressing outrage regarding this interpretation, Feijóo insists on maintaining freedom of worship in accordance with the Spanish constitution, emphasising that religious rites must comply with public health regulations.

Vox’s leader, Santiago Abascal, has faced criticism for attacking Bishops over their stance in the Jumilla situation, with Feijóo accusing him of leveraging populism for political gain. He reiterated that all religious practices should be respected under the principle of religious freedom and that division among communities should be resisted in favour of tolerance and mutual understanding.