On Friday, the Portuguese Parliament approved, in a preliminary vote, a draft law submitted by the far right prohibiting “covering the face in public places,” with fines of up to 4,000 euros imposed on those who violate the decision.
The project, which was presented by the extreme right-wing Shiga party, prohibits the wearing of full coverings, such as the burqa – which covers the entire body from head to toe – and the niqab, which covers the face while leaving a small opening around the eyes, in most public places, with the exception of airplanes, diplomatic headquarters, and places of worship.
The law now needs the approval of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who can either ratify it or veto and refer it to the Constitutional Court for review.
If adopted, Portugal will join European countries such as France, Belgium, Austria and the Netherlands that have imposed a complete or partial ban on face coverings in public places.
Although the number of women who wear the burqa or niqab in Portugal is very limited, the issue has sparked controversy similar to that witnessed in other European countries.
The Shiga Party justified its proposal by saying that the phenomenon “contradicts the principles of freedom, equality, and human dignity.”
The project received support from center-right parties, while left-wing parties opposed it, which saw it as targeting foreigners and Muslims.
