Portugal Bans Full Face Coverings in Public Places

Portugal Bans Full Face Coverings in Public Places

Portugal’s President António José Seguro has approved a law banning people from fully covering their faces in public places.

The law, which was passed by parliament in July, prohibits wearing clothing in public places that prevents a person from being identified. This also applies to clothing that fully covers the face, including garments worn by some Muslim women.

The law also prohibits forcing another person to cover their face because of their gender, religion, age, or origin.

Violators can be fined between €150 and €3,000. Exceptions are provided for medical, professional, artistic, and weather-related circumstances. Face coverings are also permitted in places of worship, diplomatic missions, and on board aircraft.

Human rights advocates have criticized the law, arguing that it restricts women’s right to choose how they dress.