The Portuguese Parliament has passed a ban on burqas and niqabs in public

A controversial bill banning the wearing of burqas and niqabs in public was passed by the Portuguese parliament on Friday. The bill, introduced by the right-wing Chega party, was passed thanks to the support of the center-right coalition.

Covering the face for religious or family reasons will be banned in most public spaces, with the exception of airplanes, diplomatic zones, and places of worship. Fines will range from €200 to €4,000, while forcing someone to wear a veil could be punishable by up to three years in prison.

However, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa still has the option to veto the bill or refer it to the Constitutional Court. Wearing burqas is very rare in Portugal, but the bill has nevertheless provoked emotional reactions.

Representatives of left-wing parties have spoken out against the law, which they believe restricts religious freedom. However, the Chega party claims that the law protects women's rights and prevents their oppression.

With this measure, Portugal joins countries such as France, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands, where similar bans are already in place.

(reuters, max)