The Plenary Session of the Senate has given the green light this Wednesday to the consideration of the bill registered by Vox to prohibit the use of the niqab and burqa in public spaces. The initiative has been approved with 146 votes in favor (PP and Vox), 106 against (PSOE and its allies) and one abstention (CC), so it will now continue its journey in the Courts.
The project stipulates that "the use of veils called niqab and burqa in public space, or in private places with projection to a public space or use, is prohibited".
Santiago Abascal's party also proposes a modification of the Penal Code in order to punish with prison sentences those who force other people to wear these garments through violence, intimidation or coercion.
The penalties contemplated range from one year and six months to three years in prison, with the possibility of increasing to four years when the victim is a minor, has a disability or is in a situation of special vulnerability.
Likewise, Vox includes in the text that "the penalties will be imposed in their upper half when any of the acts of violence, intimidation or coercion are perpetrated in the presence of minors, or using weapons, or take place in the common home or in the victim's home, or are carried out by breaking a penalty contemplated in article 48 or a precautionary or security measure or prohibition of the same nature".
The proposition also introduces changes in the Immigration Law to enable the expulsion from Spanish territory of foreign persons who incur infractions related to this prohibition, once the corresponding administrative procedure has been processed.
Finally, a reform of the Citizen Security Law is foreseen to classify as an infraction the use of the niqab and burqa in public places, as well as the imposition of these garments on minors by parents or legal guardians.