Portugal has approved legislation banning garments that conceal the face or prevent identification in public places, with violators facing fines of up to €3,000.
President Antonio Jose Seguro said the face was a central element of human identity and communication, while acknowledging the issue was of “great social and cultural sensitivity”.
The legislation, dubbed the “burqa law” by local media, was approved by parliament in July with support from the right-wing governing coalition and far-right parties. Left-wing parties opposed the measure.
Under the law, wearing clothing intended to conceal the face in public spaces is prohibited. It also bans forcing another person to cover their face on grounds related to gender, religion, age or origin.
Violators can be fined between €150 and €3,000. The law includes exemptions for health, professional, artistic and weather-related reasons, as well as face coverings inside places of worship, diplomatic missions and on aircraft.
Rights groups have criticised such restrictions, arguing that laws governing face coverings can also affect women’s freedom and choice of clothing.
