Lisbon (TDI): Portugal’s President Antonio Jose Seguro has signed into law a measure banning the concealment of faces in public spaces, a move widely viewed as targeting Muslim women who wear full-face veils.
“The face must be considered a central element of human identity and communication,” Seguro said in a statement after approving the legislation.
The law, dubbed the “burqa law” by local media, was passed by parliament in July with support from Portugal’s right-wing governing coalition and far-right parties. Left-wing lawmakers opposed the measure, AFP reported.
Under the new legislation, people are prohibited from wearing clothing or other garments in public places specifically designed to conceal their faces or prevent identification.
The law also makes it an offence to force another person to cover their face on grounds linked to gender, religion, age or origin. People found violating the restrictions can face fines ranging from €150 to €3,000, depending on the circumstances.
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However, the legislation includes several exemptions. Face coverings may be permitted for health, professional, artistic or weather-related reasons. The restrictions also do not apply in places of worship, diplomatic missions or on aircraft.
Seguro acknowledged that the legislation addresses an issue of significant “social and cultural sensitivity”. Supporters argue that the measure is necessary to facilitate identification and communication in public spaces.
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Rights campaigners, however, have criticized such restrictions, arguing that laws targeting full-face coverings can disproportionately affect Muslim women and interfere with their freedom to decide what to wear.
Portugal now joins a number of European countries that have introduced restrictions on face-covering garments in public.
