It’s becoming a trend in Europe to ban religious face coverings.
Some European countries, such as Austria, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, have instituted full or partial bans on face and head coverings, such as burqas and niqabs.
Other countries, such as Italy, have legislation on this issue in Parliament.
Today (17), Portugal’s parliament approved a bill banning ‘gender or religious’ face veils in public.
Associated Press reported:
“The measure was proposed by the far-right Chega party and would prohibit coverings such as burqas — a full-body garment that covers a woman from head to foot — and niqabs — the full-face Islamic veil with space around the eyes — from being worn in most public places. Face veils would still be allowed in airplanes, diplomatic premises and places of worship.
The bill stipulates fines for those wearing face veils in public ranging between 200 euros and 4,000 euros ($234 and $4,669).”
BREAKING: Portuguese Parliament has passed a law banning the Burqa and Niqab in all public spaces
A massive win for women’s rights! pic.twitter.com/GG0Utgbxso
— Inevitable West (@Inevitablewest) October 17, 2025
Portugal bans burqas and niqabs in public places,with fines up to 4,000 euros.
Muslim men who force their wives or female relatives to wear one will also face 3 years in prison.
Burqas were described as a ‘symbol of women’s oppression and a threat to public safety. pic.twitter.com/oNQzJhDO58
— Mariana Times (@timeswmariana) October 17, 2025
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa still has to approve the bill, or else veto it. Rebelo can also send it to the Constitutional Court for review.
“In its bill, Chega said that hiding the face subjects individuals — especially women — ‘to situations of exclusion and inferiority’ and was incompatible with principles such as ‘liberty, equality and human dignity’.”
Read more:
Italian PM Meloni Sends Bill to Parliament Banning Burkas and Niqabs in Public Spaces