The municipal government of Alcalá de Henares, represented by the Popular Party (PP), has passed a motion proposed by the far-right Vox party which bans the burqa and niqab in local government premises. This ordinance prohibits women from wearing these garments, which cover the face, in all municipal buildings in the city, which has a population of around 200,000. The decision has stirred a significant debate, as it is framed not only as a measure for security but as a broader cultural stance against what some perceive as the imposition of specific religious symbols in public areas.

The backing from the PP, spearheaded by local mayor Judith Piquet and regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has amplified concerns over rising Islamophobia and the treatment of Muslim women in Spain. Proponents argue that the measure is necessary for ensuring safety and identifying individuals in public spaces, while opponents see it as a violation of personal freedoms and an encroachment on individual rights. The argument made by the local government emphasizes that they are not targeting any religious symbols directly, but rather are prioritizing safety and identification.

This legislative move reflects broader societal tensions in Spain regarding immigration, religious identity, and multiculturalism. The approval has ramifications beyond Alcalá de Henares, as it may inspire similar proposals in other municipalities while potentially alienating the Muslim community. The discourse surrounding this issue complicates the social fabric of Spain, where debates on integration and cultural diversity continue to evoke strong responses from various factions within society.