The initiative, which the minority government of the PSC plans to submit for approval in the June plenary session, will replace the current regulations from 2007. The text includes sanctions for uncivil behavior ranging from 400 to 3,000 euros, with the aim of penalizing recidivism.
The prohibition of the full veil in public spaces is included in article 12 of the new proposal. This section states that "it is forbidden to wear any clothing or other attire that conceals the face in public spaces." However, this restriction will not apply in places of worship, spaces where it is customary to cover the face due to accepted social customs, or when exercising a fundamental right. Non-compliance with this point will be considered a minor infraction, with fines between 300 and 750 euros.
“"There is a specific plan so that no one becomes a greater victim as a result of this ordinance."
The Paeria de Lleida previously attempted to ban the burqa during a former government, but the measure was overturned by the Supreme Court. Unlike that occasion, the new proposal has a different "approach," not based on security, but on "a matter of fundamental rights, and in this case, the right of women to decide."
The deputy mayor and councilor for Feminism has emphasized that the ordinance does not seek to "isolate" women who wear the full veil or "create a social divide." Therefore, the text is accompanied by a plan of socio-educational actions to ensure real autonomy, social ties, and full access to resources for all women.
Among the novelties, the regulation also foresees sanctions for individuals who solicit sexual services in public spaces. Furthermore, the referral to social services for women "forced" into prostitution will be "reinforced," with the aim of "taking a firm stance against exploitation and showing great sensitivity towards victims."
The text will also sanction those who book appointments at public offices with the aim of profiting from their resale. In general terms, the ordinance seeks to offer "more protection against insults and discrimination, strengthening the fight against racist, xenophobic, sexist, aporaphobic, or LGTB-phobic behaviors."
The regulation establishes three levels of sanctions: minor (400-750 euros) for actions such as urinating in public or covering one's face; serious (751-1,500 euros) for negotiating sex in the street or harassment; and very serious (1,501-3,000 euros) for racist insults, vexatious conduct, or serious vandalism. Recidivism will be penalized, as committing three minor offenses within a year will be considered serious, and three serious offenses, very serious.
In addition to the sanctioning regime, mediation is presented as the main mechanism for resolving conflicts. Last year, the city recorded 813 sanctions for non-compliance with the current ordinance, a 45% increase compared to the 448 fines in 2024, attributed to an increase in infractions and greater police action.
