Spain to debate national burka ban

Spain may follow the ban on wearing the traditional burka in public places that has been approved in France and Belgium earlier this month.

The increasing feeling towards the burka has been spreading across Europe has already led to a ban on wearing the veil in certain towns in Catalonia and Andalusia - the areas where the majority of Spain's Muslim immigrant population is concentrated.

A complete ban on all head covering would be unlikely in Spain as some are worn as part of the country's traditional dress and also worn in certain religious festivals.

Spanish lawmakers are to consider a nationwide ban today, with a debate in Spain's Congress.

The debate follows a motion introduced by Spain's conservative opposition Popular Party, but it has won cross-party support.