Portugal Bans Women From Wearing Full-Face Coverings in Public, With Violators Facing Fines of Up to €3000

Portugal has introduced a new law banning the wearing of face coverings intended to conceal a person’s identity in public places, a measure critics say could disproportionately affect Muslim women who wear the burka or niqab.

Under the new legislation, commonly referred to as the “burka law”, people found covering their faces in public could face fines ranging from €150 to €3,000.

However, the law provides exemptions for several circumstances, including medical, professional, artistic and weather-related reasons. Face coverings will also be permitted in places of worship, diplomatic missions and on aircraft.

The legislation further criminalises forcing another person to cover their face on the basis of gender, religion, age or origin.

Portuguese President António José Seguro has defended the measure, arguing that the human face plays an important role in identity and communication. He described being able to see one another’s faces as an important element of social trust.

Portugal’s parliament approved the legislation in July after it was proposed by the right-wing Chega party and supported by the centre-right Social Democratic Party.

The measure received backing from right-wing and far-right lawmakers but was opposed by left-wing parties, who have raised concerns over its potential impact on religious freedom and minority communities.

Legal groups and other critics have also questioned whether the law is constitutional, warning that it could contribute to Islamophobia and further stigmatise Muslim women.

Portugal now joins a number of European countries, including France, Belgium, Austria and Denmark, that have introduced restrictions on full-face coverings in public spaces.