(Euro Weekly) A Vox regional deputy in Spain, Virginia Martínez, sparked controversy this week after she arrived at the Murcia Regional Assembly wearing a niqab to defend a motion calling for restrictions on Islamic face coverings in public spaces.
The incident occurred on December 10, during a plenary session of the regional parliament. Martínez was told she could not address the chamber while dressed in that way and was instructed to change before speaking. The Vox proposal was later rejected by the Assembly, according to reporting by Cadena SER.
Niqab, not burka: a key distinction
Clarification: Although some reports referred to a “burka,” Virginia Martínez was in fact wearing a niqab, which covers the face while leaving the eyes visible. A burka covers the entire body and face, including the eyes behind a mesh screen.
