LISBON: President António José Seguro promulgated the Portugal face-covering ban on August 18, introducing penalties for clothing that conceals a person’s face in public.
The legislation covers public roads, publicly accessible premises, public services, sporting events and demonstrations. It does not explicitly name burqas, niqabs or any religion.
Negligent violations carry fines ranging from €150 to €750. Authorities may impose fines of between €400 and €3,000 when they determine that a person intentionally broke the law.
The measure allows face coverings for health, professional, artistic, entertainment, advertising, security and weather-related reasons. Aircraft, diplomatic and consular premises, places of worship and other sacred locations are also exempt.
Anyone who uses threats, violence or abuse of authority to force another person to cover their face because of the victim’s sex could receive up to two years in prison or a fine. The law increases the penalty by one-third when the victim is a minor.
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The far-right Chega party proposed the measure. Parliament approved the final text on July 17 with support from Chega, the centre-right Social Democratic Party, Liberal Initiative and CDS-People’s Party.
The Socialist Party, Portuguese Communist Party and other left-wing parties opposed the legislation. They argued during parliamentary debate that it could promote discrimination against Muslim communities.
Seguro said an uncovered face supported social trust, mutual recognition and equal dignity. The president also cited decisions by the European Court of Human Rights.
The legislation will take effect 30 days after publication in Portugal’s official gazette.
