Portugal bans face coverings in public amid criticism it discriminates against Muslim women

Lisbon, Portugal has enacted a new law banning face coverings in public spaces following President Antonio Jose Seguro's signature on a bill originally proposed by the right-wing Chega party. Seguro defended the measure, stating it addresses a matter of significant social and cultural sensitivity. He emphasized social integration, non-discrimination, and public security as reasons for the law, referencing European Court of Human Rights rulings on the topic.

Seguro explained that an uncovered face is a key aspect of social trust in Portuguese society, where mutual recognition and direct relationships are fundamental. He argued that mandating uncovered faces for women, but not men, creates an asymmetry that contradicts principles of equality and dignity. Amnesty International Portugal condemned the law as discriminatory, warning it threatens the rights of Muslim women who practice face-covering as part of their faith.

Portugal follows several European nations in imposing restrictions on face coverings in public spaces, including France, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands.