Portugal Enacts Law Banning Face Coverings in Public

Portuguese President António José Seguro has promulgated a law prohibiting the concealment of faces in public spaces. The legislation was approved by parliament on July 17 with support from the right wing governing coalition, the Liberal Initiative, and the far right party Chega. Left wing parties voted against the measure.

President Seguro stated that the face is a fundamental element of human identity and communication. He further argued that requiring women to hide their faces creates an asymmetry incompatible with the values of equality and dignity between men and women. The final text of the law focuses on security and public order to avoid constitutional risks regarding religious freedom. It prohibits garments designed to conceal the face or prevent identification, while also banning coercion to cover the face based on gender, religion, age, or origin.

Exemptions are granted for health, professional, artistic, or weather related needs, as well as for use within places of worship, diplomatic missions, and on airplanes. Violators face fines ranging from 150 to 3,000 euros.

Framing of the law differs across reports. A center leaning source describes the legislation as being based on security and public order. In contrast, a center left leaning source notes that the measure is widely seen as targeting Muslim women and highlights arguments from rights campaigners that such bans erode women's rights by dictating their attire.