Portugal Bans Face Veils in Public, Slaps Fines up to £3,475
Portugal’s parliament has slammed the door on face veils worn for “gender or religious” reasons in public. Anyone flouting the new law faces fines up to €4,000 (£3,475).
The crackdown, pushed by the right-wing Chega party, zeroes in on the burka — the full-body cloak — and the niqab, which covers the face except for the eyes.
The ban doesn’t extend everywhere. Veils will still be allowed on planes, in places of worship, and during diplomatic events.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to sign off on the bill, although he could veto it or send it to the Constitutional Court for a once-over.
Portugal Joins Europe’s Face Veil Ban Club
If the law sticks, Portugal will join a growing list of European countries banning full or partial face veils, including Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
Yet, in Portugal, so few women wear these veils that many see the ban as symbolic — a political message on immigration and culture rather than a response to a widespread issue.
Across Europe, however, Islamic veils have sparked fierce debate, with governments citing security risks, integration challenges, and women’s rights concerns.
Italy Eyes Similar Burka Ban Under Giorgia Meloni
Italy looks set to follow suit. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pushed for a burka ban to fight what she calls “Islamic separatism.”
Her Brothers of Italy party plans fines over £2,500 for veil wearers in schools, shops, and offices. Given Meloni’s strong coalition majority, the bill is likely to pass fast.
“The law against Islamic separatism is vital to protect Italian identity, citizen safety, and women’s freedom,” said the party.
The group insists the ban isn’t about stamping out religious freedom but stopping its misuse to enforce practices clashing with Italy’s constitution.
UK Voices Join the Veil Debate
The burka row has crossed the Channel, too. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the burka “anti-British,” pushing for a national debate on banning face coverings.
“I don’t like to see the burka. It probably is anti-British in the sense that I don’t know if they’re being forced to cover up,” Farage said.
Other MPs, like Sarah Pochin, want a full ban citing “public safety.” But successive UK governments have refused to act, wary of religious liberty and civil rights backlash.
Europe’s Patchy Veil Ban Map and Ongoing Battle
- France led the charge in 2011 with a public face veil ban, joined the same year by Belgium.
- The Netherlands followed with limited bans in 2019; Austria and Denmark introduced prohibitions in 2017 and 2018.
- Germany, Spain, and Switzerland have mostly local restrictions, with Switzerland’s 2021 ban including health and weather exceptions.
Legal challenges have tested these bans, with the European Court of Human Rights largely backing them — though judges remain split.
Critics slam the bans as discriminatory, targeting Muslim women and infringing religious freedoms. Proponents argue they boost integration, security, and protect women from coercion.
Portugal’s Ban: Mostly Symbolic but Sparks Big Controversy
With less than 1% of the population Muslim, Portugal’s new law will affect few, reinforcing the view that this is a political statement.
The Muslim community in Portugal mainly comes from former African colonies like Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique, and from North Africa and the Middle East.
The face veil debate is set to rage on as countries juggle national identity, security, and freedom of religion — no easy fix in sight.
