Junts proposes ban on full Islamic veils in public and schools

Junts per Catalunya is pushing for a ban on the use of the burka and niqab in public spaces, arguing these garments promote gender discrimination and raise security concerns. Unlike the hijab or chador, both the burka and niqab cover the entire face, body, and often the hands of Muslim women.

The party also intends to prohibit all forms of Islamic veils, including partial ones, for minors in schools and extracurricular activities. Their goal, they say, is to protect young girls from discrimination, allowing them to decide freely whether to wear a veil once they reach adulthood.

Junts also advocates banning the so-called “burkinis” full-body swimwear used by some Muslim women at pools or beaches. They argue it is difficult to discern whether such attire stems from religious custom, medical issues, or personal preference. Therefore, they support the use of standard technical swimwear.

This proposal is framed as a political and autonomous position, not based on existing laws or court rulings. Junts aims to be proactive by encouraging legislation aligned with this stance and urging mayors affiliated with the party to adopt restrictive local ordinances on veils. They are also considering including this policy in their platform for the 2027 municipal elections.

Party sources claim to have consulted Islamic individuals and organizations before adopting this view, which they assert is not directed against any group but aims to uphold human rights especially for minors. Junts references Kosovo, where wearing veils in schools is already banned, despite the country’s Muslim majority.

This announcement comes as the Catalan Parliament is set to vote on a motion by the far-right Aliança Catalana calling for a complete ban on Islamic veils. Although Junts supports similar restrictions, it plans to vote against the motion, citing its hateful tone and what they describe as “catalanophobic” rhetoric. They emphasize that such approaches do not contribute to building an inclusive society.

Back in 2010, Catalonia saw a wave of anti-veil regulations, beginning with Lleida, which became the first city to prohibit full-face Islamic veils in public. Several municipalities followed, but in 2011 the High Court of Justice of Catalonia overturned these bans, citing religious freedom and a lack of legal authority by local governments.