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The Spanish city of Barcelona is to become the first in the country to ban the use of face-covering Islamic veils, or burkas, in municipal buildings. The Independent quoted Barcelona Mayor, Jordi Hereu, as saying that the burka ban was not aimed at any religion. He said it was aimed at all dress that impeded identification, including motorcycle helmets and ski masks. Last month Lleida, also in Catalonia, became the first Spanish town to regulate use of body-covering burkas or face-covering niqabs in municipal buildings. Several European countries have been debating bans on burkas.

Barcelona to become first Spanish city to ban burka