Lisbon( The COW News Digital) The Portuguese Parliament has approved a controversial bill that bans face coverings in public spaces, a move widely viewed as targeting Muslim women who wear the niqab or burqa. The legislation now awaits final approval from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has the constitutional authority to either sign the bill into law, veto it, or refer it to the Constitutional Court for review.
The bill, introduced by the far-right Chega Party, prohibits covering the face in public for religious or gender-related reasons. Proponents of the measure argue that it is necessary for public safety, social cohesion, and communication in public areas. However, critics and human rights groups have condemned the legislation as discriminatory and Islamophobic, warning that it violates freedom of religion and expression.
According to the bill, exceptions will be made for specific circumstances such as places of worship, diplomatic premises, and aircraft, where face coverings may still be permitted. Violations of the law could lead to fines ranging from €200 to €4,000, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.
The move has sparked strong reactions both within Portugal and across Europe. Civil rights advocates have accused lawmakers of using public safety concerns as a pretext to marginalize Muslim women. “This bill is not about security—it’s about identity and exclusion,” said one rights activist in Lisbon, adding that the law risks deepening divisions within Portuguese society.
If approved by the president, the measure will place Portugal among a growing list of European countries that have imposed similar bans on full-face coverings, including France, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands.
The Chega Party, known for its hardline stance on immigration and national identity, celebrated the bill’s passage as a “victory for secularism and transparency in public life.” Party leader André Ventura stated that “no one should be allowed to hide their identity in public spaces,” asserting that the law applies equally to all citizens regardless of faith.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s Muslim community leaders have urged the president to reject the bill or refer it to the Constitutional Court, calling it “an assault on religious freedom and women’s rights.”
President Rebelo de Sousa has not yet commented on whether he will sign or challenge the bill. If approved, the ban could come into effect as early as January 2026.
