Outrage as Spanish town bans Muslim religious festivals from public spaces

The decision in Jumilla, Murcia, is likely to be challenged as it contravenes the Spanish constitution. Photograph: Alfie1981/Alamy

A local authority in south-east Spain has banned Muslims from using public facilities such as civic centres and gyms to celebrate the religious festivals Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha.

The ban in Jumilla, in Murcia, is a first in Spain. It was introduced by the conservative People’s party (PP) and passed with the abstention of the far-right Vox party and the opposition of local leftwing parties.