Portugal has passed a new bill banning face coverings such as burqas and niqabs in most public spaces. The legislation, proposed by the far-right Chega party, aims to restrict face veils worn for “gender or religious motives.”
According to the bill, people who wear face veils in public could face fines ranging from 200 to 4,000 euros ($234 to $4,670). Forcing someone to wear a veil would be punishable with up to three years in prison.
Face coverings will still be permitted in certain places such as airplanes, places of worship, and diplomatic facilities. The bill, approved by Portugal’s parliament on Friday, will now move to the parliamentary committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees for further review.
If it becomes law, Portugal will join other European countries — including France, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands — that have already implemented similar bans on face veils. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa may still veto the bill or refer it to the Constitutional Court for review.
Chega leader Andre Ventura, who introduced the bill, said the measure was meant to protect national identity and women’s rights. “We are protecting our daughters from being forced to wear burqas,” Ventura told lawmakers. He described the approval as a “historic day” for Portugal and for defending democracy.
However, several left-wing lawmakers opposed the move, calling it discriminatory. They argued that the law unfairly targets Muslim women, even though full-face coverings are extremely rare in Portugal. Two political parties — People-Animals-Nature and Together for the People — abstained from the vote, saying the measure could promote intolerance.
The debate reflects growing divisions across Europe over face coverings. Supporters see bans as steps toward gender equality and public safety, while critics argue they limit religious freedom.
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In Portugal, the issue has reignited discussions about cultural integration, women’s rights, and the balance between secular values and personal choice.
