Jumilla bans religious gatherings in public spaces

A ban on religious gatherings in municipal sports centers in Jumilla, pushed by the local centre right leadership and linked to Vox, provokes domestic and international criticism.

Jumilla bans religious gatherings in public sports centers drawing criticism

In Jumilla, a town in the Murcia region, the city council approved a rule that says municipal sports facilities can be used only for athletic activities run by local authorities. The measure bans cultural, social or religious events hosted in the centres, affecting Muslim communities who have used these spaces to celebrate Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.

The move drew sharp reaction from national officials and the United Nations. Migration Minister Elma Saiz called it shameful and urged local leaders to apologise. Vox supporters in the Murcia branch celebrated the measure, claiming the town has Christian roots. Local mayor Seve Gonzalez argues the rule does not target any group and aims to defend local identity. The UN special envoy to combat Islamophobia, Miguel Moratinos, described the decision as shocking and warned about rising xenophobic rhetoric and implications for religious freedom.

The Jumilla decision fits a wider European pattern where some regional authorities test the limits of pluralism. It raises questions about how public spaces are shared in diverse communities and what responsibilities local governments have toward religious freedom. The move also highlights the political value of identity politics in local elections and its potential to inflame tensions rather than solve them.

If similar measures take hold, minority communities may feel less able to participate in public life. That could erode trust and fuel a cycle of mistrust between residents and authorities. International voices echo this concern, reminding policymakers that democratic societies are judged by how they treat religious minorities in everyday spaces.

Highlights

The coming months will show how Jumilla and Spain balance local sovereignty with universal rights.