Portugal’s president has signed legislation banning face coverings that prevent identification in public spaces, a measure widely seen as targeting the burqa and niqab. Portugal’s president has signed legislation banning face coverings that prevent identification in public spaces, a measure widely seen as targeting the burqa and niqab. The law, originally proposed by the right-wing Chega party, was approved by parliament on July 17 with backing from the center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD), Chega, the Liberal Initiative and CDS-PP. The Socialist Party and other left-wing parties opposed it, while PAN abstained. President António José Seguro said the measure was justified by public security, social integration, non-discrimination and gender equality, while acknowledging the sensitivity of balancing individual rights and public obligations. The legislation applies to clothing designed to conceal the face or prevent identification in public spaces. It provides exceptions for health, professional, artistic and weather-related reasons, as well as in places of worship, diplomatic missions and aircraft. Violations can bring fines of €150–€750 for negligence and €400–€3,000 for intentional breaches. The ban also applies at demonstrations and sporting events.
