Coín has become the first municipality in Andalucia to ban the wearing of the burkha or niqab in public buildings and facilities.
The move was approved by the Council with only one dissenting vote, that of the IU member.
The new ordinance follows apparent reports by Social Services of ‘less desirable’ aspects in the treatment of women. The Mayor of Coín, Gabriel Clavijo (PSOE), added that the law states that men and women are equal and therefore the imposition of involuntary elements, such as the burkha, are not permitted.
Islamic organisations have accused the Mayor of reacting to a situation which doesn’t actually exist in the town and that by banning such garments, the Council is creating tensions and the impression that there is a radical Islam threat in the municipality.
The Islamic organisations believe the move is a sham, a smokescreen designed to cover other shortcomings in the municipality.