The Portuguese Parliament has approved, in general terms, Bill No. 47/XVII/1.ª, presented by the Chega (CH) party, which prohibits the concealment of the face in public spaces, except in certain exceptional circumstances. The proposal was approved with votes in favor from Chega, PSD, Liberal Initiative (IL), and CDS-PP. PS, Livre, PCP, and the Left Bloc (BE) voted against, while PAN and Juntos pelo Povo (JPP) abstained.
According to the approved text, the ban covers public roads, places open to the public, facilities providing public services, and all other spaces where services are generally accessible to citizens. However, exceptions are provided, such as the use of veils or coverings in places of worship and other sacred sites.
Chega justifies the initiative as a measure to protect women’s rights and public safety, following the example of countries such as France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, and Belgium, where similar laws are already in force.
Parliamentary debate focused largely on the issue of the burqa, a garment that covers the entire body and face and is worn by some Muslim women. The use of the burqa is rare in Portugal, where the hijab (a headscarf that covers only the hair) is more common among Muslim women.
Supporters of the bill argue that the measure promotes security and gender equality, while critics claim it stigmatizes Muslim women and restricts religious freedom.
The proposal will now proceed to committee stage, where it may be amended before the final overall vote.