Fines up to 3,000 euros: Portugal bans face concealment in public spaces
The President of Portugal signed a law promoted by the nationalist right, dubbed the "Portuguese Burqa Law." The legislation prohibits wearing clothing intended to conceal the face, except in specific health, professional, artistic, or climatic circumstances.
Portugal has officially joined a number of countries that have decided to restrict face concealment in public spaces—a step widely perceived as aimed against Muslim women wearing veils that cover the entire face.
The President of Portugal enacted a law promoted by the nationalist right and described in the country's media as the "Portuguese Burqa Law."
"The face should be treated as a key component of identity and human communication," said President Antonio Jose Seguro, while acknowledging that this is an issue with "great social and cultural sensitivity."
The final version of the law was adopted by parliament last month through the votes of the right-wing coalition and the far-right, while left-wing parties voted against it. Human rights activists have long noted that such bans infringe on women's rights by dictating their attire. However, these arguments were rejected, and those who do not comply with the provisions of the law now face fines ranging from 150 to 3,000 euros.
The law effectively prohibits wearing clothing intended to conceal the face or prevent identification in public spaces. However, it includes exceptions where covering the face is permitted, such as in cases involving health, professional, artistic, or climatic circumstances. Additionally, the permit applies in places of religious worship, diplomatic missions, and on airplanes.
Several European countries have already imposed restrictions on clothing that fully or almost fully covers the face. In France, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, and other countries, the use of face coverings such as the "niqab"—a religious head covering that leaves only a slit for the eyes—has been restricted. In other nations, the "burqa" has also been restricted.
The ban on the niqab and burqa follows decisions by European countries that face coverings are prohibited for reasons of public safety, personal identification, and maintaining the values of a secular state. The ban applies mainly to public spaces, schools, and government institutions.
