THE TELEGRAPH: Spain could become the third European country to ban the burqa in public places on the grounds that it oppresses women.
The proposal follows approval of such a prohibition in both France and Belgium earlier this month.
The growing anti-burqa sentiment spreading across Europe has already led to a ban against the veil being worn in some parts of Catalonia and Andalusia both areas where Spain's Muslim immigrant population is concentrated.
However, not all headcovering veils would be included in a ban because they form part of traditional Spanish dress, with women often covering their heads with a "mantilla" during religious festivals.
Several local councils, including that of Spain's second largest city Barcelona, passed such legislation in recent months but their powers were limited to banning the veil only in municipal buildings and not in the street or public places.
Spanish lawmakers will now consider passing a nationwide ban with a debate scheduled to start on Tuesday in Spain's Congress.
A vote by Spain's lower house is planned following the debate but may be delayed until after the month-long summer recess, which begins next week.
The debate follows a motion introduced by Spain's conservative opposition Popular Party, but it has won cross-party support and is widely predicted to be passed into law, unless the country's highest court rules it unconstitutional. >>> Fiona Govan in Madrid | Tuesday, July 20, 2010
