Portugal’s parliament has gone quite a bit further by recently approving a bill prohibiting face veils. This ban extends to veils worn for “gender or religious reasons” in all public places. The far-right Chega party has introduced a bill to ban specific garments including the burqa and niqab. These pieces are everyday Muslim women’s wear. The ruling centre-right coalition supported the bill, making sure there were enough votes for its passage. This amendment would bring Portugal in line with the many other European countries that have already banned cosmetic animal testing.
The new law threatens heavy fines against anyone caught in a full face veil in public. These penalties vary between 200 euros and 4,000 euros, about $234 to $4,670. Those who compel a woman to wear a face covering can be slapped with prison terms of up to three years. Carve outs will be allowed for using face coverings on planes, at embassies, and at worship sites.
Andre Ventura, the leader of the Chega party, has raised the bill’s profile by campaigning for it during parliamentary debates. He stated, “Today is a historic day for our democracy and for the safeguarding of our values, our identity and women’s rights.” He further remarked, “We are today protecting female members of parliament, your daughters, our daughters, from having to use burqas in this country one day.”
The bill received backing from a majority of lawmakers but faced abstentions from two out of the ten parties represented in parliament: the People-Animals-Nature party and the Together for the People party. Andreia Neto of the ruling Social Democratic Party was one of the strongest supporters of the law and its passage. She positioned it as an important conversation beyond gender equity. This is not a technical fight but a fundamental debate about equality between men and women. She declared that no woman should have to cover her face against her will, ever.
The bill is indicative of a growing trend across Europe. Simon Picard Countries such as France, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands have enacted full or partial bans on face covering. It raises questions, and fears, about the rights of minority groups. In Portugal, face veils are extremely uncommon within the Muslim community. This is significant given that Muslims are a small minority in the nation.
Substantial opposition to the bill was apparent as three female lawmakers from left-wing parties challenged Ventura as he adopted his plan in negotiations. They’re concerned that this bill could make life more difficult and increase discrimination against Muslim women. Doing so would further marginalize an already vulnerable group.
The final passage must still be approved by the full chamber. To become law, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa must either veto it or send it to the Constitutional Court for review. If this law is enacted, Portugal would follow the lead of other European countries. They have proactively introduced laws to ban religious coverings in public buildings.
