Portugal’s Parliament Backs Public Face-Covering Ban in Initial Vote

Overview

• The proposal would prohibit garments that obscure the face in public spaces without explicitly naming burqas or veils.
• Support from PSD, Iniciativa Liberal and CDS secured passage, with PS, Bloco de Esquerda, PCP and Livre voting against and PAN and JPP abstaining.
• The draft is presented as a measure for security and social integration and draws on laws in France, Belgium and Denmark.
• Exceptions include health, work, artistic and entertainment contexts, with fines of €200–€2,000 and up to €4,000 for intentional violations.
• PSD said it will seek changes during the specialty stage as left-wing parties criticize the proposal as discriminatory and infringing on religious freedom.