Should the bill become law, Portugal would join a number of European nations that have implemented full or partial prohibitions on face veils.
Published On 17 Oct 2025
Portugal’s parliament has passed legislation aimed at prohibiting face coverings worn for religious or gender-related reasons in most public areas. The initiative, introduced by the far-right Chega party, specifically targets garments such as burqas and niqabs commonly worn by Muslim women.
The proposed law stipulates fines ranging from 200 to 4,000 euros ($234 to $4,670) for individuals who wear face veils in public spaces. Additionally, compelling someone to wear such coverings could result in imprisonment for up to three years.
Exceptions to the ban include face coverings worn on airplanes, within diplomatic buildings, and inside places of worship.
Following parliamentary approval, the bill will now be reviewed by the committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees, which oversees legislation concerning constitutional issues.
If enacted, Portugal would align itself with other European countries like France, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands, which have already implemented full or partial restrictions on face veils.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa retains the authority to veto the bill or refer it to the Constitutional Court for further examination.
During the parliamentary debate, Chega’s leader Andre Ventura faced opposition from female representatives of left-wing parties, yet the bill passed with backing from the centre-right coalition.
Ventura defended the legislation by stating, “We are safeguarding female parliamentarians, your daughters, and our daughters from being compelled to wear burqas in this country in the future.”
He also posted on X, “This marks a pivotal moment for our democracy, protecting our values, identity, and women’s rights.”
Andreia Neto, a member of the ruling Social Democratic Party, emphasized before the vote, “This discussion centers on gender equality. No woman should be forced to conceal her face.”
Two parliamentary parties-the People-Animals-Nature party and Together for the People party-chose to abstain, citing concerns that the bill could foster discrimination.
While only a small fraction of Muslim women in Europe wear full-face coverings, and such veils are particularly uncommon in Portugal, the issue remains contentious. Critics argue that garments like niqabs and burqas may symbolize gender oppression or pose security risks, fueling debates about their legality across the continent.
