A law promoted by the far right that bans face coverings in public spaces was signed into law by the President of Portugal.
“The face must be considered a central element of human identity and communication,” President António José Seguro said in a statement late Tuesday.
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The final version of the law, which local media have dubbed the “burqa law”—after the garment worn by some Muslim women to cover their bodies and faces— was passed by parliament in July with the votes of the right-wing governing coalition and the far right, while left-wing parties voted against it. Violators face fines ranging from 150 to 3,000 euros.
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The law prohibits the use of clothing designed to cover the face or prevent the identification of a person in public places. It also prohibits any coercion that forces a person to cover their face for reasons related to gender, religion, age, or origin.
Rights organizations have long pointed out that such bans can also substantially restrict women’s rights, as they dictate what women must wear.
Seguro acknowledged that the issue was particularly “sensitive from a social and cultural standpoint.”
Exceptions are provided for reasons such as health, professional or artistic needs, as well as for reasons related to weather conditions. Exceptions also apply to places of worship, diplomatic missions, and airplanes.
SOURCE: CNA
