Portugal’s parliament has passed legislation that would prohibit face coverings worn for religious or gender-related purposes in most public spaces, with violators facing fines as high as €4,000 (approximately £3,475).

Details of the Legislation

The controversial measure, put forward by the far-right Chega party, targets full-face coverings including burqas and niqabs. However, exceptions would apply in specific locations such as aircraft, diplomatic facilities, and religious buildings.

The legislation now awaits approval from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has the authority to either reject the measure or refer it to the Constitutional Court for constitutional review.

Political Divide

The bill has exposed deep political divisions within Portuguese parliament:

Supporters from Chega and center-right parties argue that face coverings create “situations of exclusion and inferiority,” particularly for women, and conflict with fundamental values of freedom, equality, and human dignity. The party drew on justifications used by France and other EU nations that have implemented similar restrictions.

Opposition from left-leaning parties characterized the initiative as discriminatory. Socialist Party lawmaker Pedro Delgado Alves criticized the measure as deliberately targeting foreign nationals and religious minorities, arguing that while no woman should face coercion to wear a veil, this approach is misguided.

Broader European Context

If enacted, Portugal would become the latest European nation to implement such restrictions, joining countries like Austria, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands that have full or partial prohibitions on face and head coverings. The debate reflects wider tensions across Europe regarding Islamic dress and integration.

Though relatively few Portuguese women wear such garments, the issue has sparked heated debate similar to controversies in neighboring countries.

Regional Developments

The Portuguese vote coincides with similar movements elsewhere in Europe:

Sweden: Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch has advocated for a nationwide burqa prohibition, describing the garments as oppressive symbols incompatible with Swedish values. She proposed banning them in public areas including streets, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities, framing it as necessary for “social cohesion” amid what she termed “failed integration.” Busch noted that some Swedish municipalities have attempted local restrictions, particularly in schools, though no national ban currently exists.

Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party has introduced legislation proposing fines ranging from €300 to €3,000 for wearing burqas or niqabs in public venues including shops, educational institutions, and offices. The broader bill also addresses what it terms “cultural crimes” such as virginity testing and forced marriage, with enhanced penalties including potential 10-year prison sentences for religious coercion.