Full-Face Veils Banned In Portugal After President Signs 'Burqa Law'

Portugal’s President António José Seguro has signed a law banning face-concealing clothing in public spaces, a move widely interpreted as targeting full-face Islamic veils such as the burqa and niqab. Seguro said the face should be treated as central to human identity and communication, while also acknowledging the controversy and the cultural sensitivity of the issue. The bill passed parliament in July with support from right-wing parties; the left opposed it. The law restricts garments intended to hide identity and also penalizes forcing people to cover their faces based on gender, religion, or age. Fines range from €150 to €3,000, with exceptions for medical masks, professional or artistic gear, and extreme weather wear.