Portugal President Signs Law Banning Full-Face Veils in Public

President António José Seguro signed a law on August 18 banning garments designed to conceal the face or prevent identification in public spaces. The legislation, which the Portuguese parliament approved in July with support from right-wing and far-right lawmakers, imposes fines between 150 and 3,000 euros for violators.

The law provides exemptions for health, professional, artistic, and weather-related reasons, as well as for use in places of worship, diplomatic missions, and on airplanes. It also prohibits forcing individuals to cover their faces based on religion, gender, age, or origin. President Seguro defended the measure, stating that the face is a central element of human identity and communication.

While supporters argue the ban improves public security and identification, rights organizations and advocacy groups warn the law targets Muslim women who wear the niqab and undermines women's autonomy and personal choice. In a related development, the government of the Balearic Islands in Spain is considering a similar ban proposed by the Vox and People's Party.