Portugal’s President António José Seguro has signed into law legislation introduced by the far right and approved by parliament in July. Although framed in general terms, the measure is widely seen as targeting Muslim women who wear the burqa or niqab.
President cites identity and communication
“The face must be regarded as a central element of human identity and communication,” Seguro said in a statement released on Tuesday evening.
The former leader of the Socialist Party nevertheless acknowledged that the legislation concerns an issue of “great social and cultural sensitivity”.
Parliament approved legislation in July
The final version of the legislation, described by Portuguese media as the “burqa law”, was adopted by parliament last month with the support of the right-wing governing coalition and the far right. Left-wing parties voted against it.
The law prohibits garments that conceal the face or prevent a person from being identified in public places. It also bans forcing someone to cover their face for reasons related to gender, religion, age or origin.
Fines and exemptions
Those who breach the law face fines ranging from €150 to €3,000.
Exemptions are provided primarily for health, professional, artistic or weather-related reasons. Face coverings will also remain permitted inside places of worship, diplomatic missions and aircraft.
Source: CNA.
