Lleida's municipal plenary approved an initial ordinance on Friday, 25 September 2026, prohibiting the burka and niqab in public spaces. The measure passed with 16 votes in favour from the government team, Junts, and VOX, while ERC and El Comú cast 11 votes against.
The new regulations replace a 2007 ordinance, introducing a tiered sanction system. Wearing a full-face veil is a light offence carrying fines between 400 and 750 euros, though a warning must be issued first. Other fines include 600 euros for public urination.
This move faces legal scrutiny as the Supreme Court previously annulled a similar 2010 ban in the city. Mourad El Boudouhi, president of Associació Watani, has already announced a signature collection campaign to challenge the legality of this new prohibition.