Portugal’s parliament approved a bill on October 17, 2025, that would prohibit face coverings in public spaces, including Islamic veils such as the burqa and niqab. The bill was introduced by the populist right-wing Chega party and passed with the support of center-right parties. Leftist parties opposed the measure, citing concerns over religious freedom and minority rights.
The bill bars individuals from wearing clothing that conceals the face in public spaces for gender or religious reasons. Specific exceptions are made for health, professional, artistic, and religious purposes. Violators could face fines ranging from €200 to €4,000. Anyone found guilty of forcing another person to cover their face for religious or cultural reasons could face up to three years in prison. The legislation still requires final approval by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Chega leader André Ventura defended the bill, stating that everyone who comes to Portugal must respect the country’s customs and values. He argued that women forced to wear the burqa are being treated as objects, not free individuals. Ventura also cited European precedent, noting that the European Court of Human Rights upheld a similar French law in 2014.
Supporters, including MP Andreia Neto from the Social Democratic Party, emphasized the need to protect women’s freedoms. Neto stated that defending women means ensuring that no tradition can erase their presence or limit their voice.
Opponents, such as MP Andreia Galvão of the Left Bloc, argued that the law violates constitutional freedoms of conscience and religion. They claim that existing Portuguese laws already protect individuals from coercion and that this legislation unfairly targets Muslim women, who are a small minority in the country.
This legislative move aligns Portugal with other European countries, such as France, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands, that have enacted bans on Islamic face coverings. Italy is also considering similar legislation.
From a conservative Christian perspective, the bill touches on important themes such as national identity, public safety, and the dignity of women. While religious freedom is a foundational value, so is the defense of cultural cohesion and protection against practices that may suppress individual liberty under the guise of tradition or religion.
