Lisbon: Portugal’s parliament has passed a controversial bill banning face coverings worn for gender or religious reasons in public. The move is widely viewed as targeting Muslim women who wear veils such as the burqa or niqab.
The proposal, introduced by the far-right Chega party, was approved with backing from some center-right lawmakers. If signed into law, it would make Portugal one of several European nations, including France, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands, to impose full or partial bans on face coverings.
The legislation prohibits the wearing of face coverings in most public places, citing reasons of security and social interaction. Exceptions would apply in airplanes, diplomatic premises, and places of worship. Those found violating the law could face fines ranging from 200 to 4,000 euros ($234–$4,669).
The bill still requires the approval of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who can either sign it into law, veto it, or refer it to the Constitutional Court for review. Chega argued that the measure defends liberty, equality, and human dignity, claiming that face coverings promote exclusion and inequality, particularly for women.
As mulheres em Portugal devem ser livres, hoje o CHEGA fez com que isso aconteça.
Quem não concorda, pode voltar para o seu país que aqui não tem lugar! pic.twitter.com/5RjIqsQsgN— Partido CHEGA 🇵🇹 (@PartidoCHEGA) October 17, 2025
The party cited similar legislation in other European countries as precedent. However, lawmakers from the left strongly opposed the bill, accusing Chega of using the issue to marginalise minorities.
“This initiative is used solely to target foreigners, those who have a different faith,” said Pedro Delgado Alves of the Socialist Party, which voted against the measure. He added that while no woman should be forced to wear a veil, banning it outright was not the solution.
Although very few women in Portugal wear full-face veils, the debate mirrors tensions seen elsewhere in Europe, where discussions around integration, security, and personal freedom have often clashed.
