Portugal bans face coverings in public spaces under new law

LISBON, Portugal — A law signed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has taken effect in Portugal, banning the use of face-covering garments in public spaces. The legislation cites the face as a fundamental element of human identity and communication and acknowledges social and cultural sensitivities, according to the text. The law does not explicitly name the burqa or niqab but covers all means of face covering. It was passed in July in parliament with votes from right-wing parties following an initiative by the far-right Chega party. The ban applies to streets, public spaces, public services and certain events, with exceptions for health, professional and artistic reasons, places of worship, diplomatic missions, aircraft and weather conditions. Forcing a person to cover their face on the basis of gender, religion, age or origin has also been criminalized. Violations classified as negligence carry fines of 150 to 750 euros, while deliberate breaches carry fines of 400 to 3,000 euros. Security forces will handle enforcement and penalty procedures. The move places Portugal among European countries that restrict face coverings, reviving debate over the balance between security and identification on one side and religious freedom, privacy and dress rights on the other.