Portugal's parliament has approved a bill banning face veils worn for 'gender or religious' reasons in public, a move widely seen as targeting Muslim women who wear face coverings such as the burqa or niqab.
The measure, proposed by the far-right Chega party, would prohibit these garments in most public places, with exceptions for airplanes, diplomatic premises, and places of worship. Offenders could face fines ranging from €200 to €4,000 (£175 to £3,475).
The bill now awaits approval from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who may veto it or refer it to the constitutional court for review. If enacted, Portugal would join Austria, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands in imposing full or partial bans on face and head coverings.
While few women in Portugal wear such veils, the issue has sparked controversy similar to other European nations. Chega argued that hiding the face subjects individuals, especially women, to 'situations of exclusion and inferiority' and is incompatible with principles of liberty, equality, and human dignity.
However, the centre-left Socialist party, which voted against the bill, criticised its intent. Lawmaker Pedro Delgado Alves stated, 'This initiative is used solely to target foreigners, those who have a different faith,' adding that while no woman should be forced to wear a veil, the far-right's approach was misguided.
