LISBON: Portugal’s president has signed into law a measure banning the concealment of faces in public spaces, legislation widely viewed as targeting Muslim women who wear full-face veils.
President Antonio Jose Seguro said the legislation was based on the importance of the face in personal identity and human interaction.
āThe face must be considered a central element of human identity and communication,ā Seguro said in a statement.
The legislation, referred to by Portuguese media as the āburqa lawā, was approved by parliament in July. It received support from the country’s right-wing governing coalition and far-right parties, while left-wing parties opposed the measure.
Under the new law, clothing or garments specifically intended to conceal a person’s face or prevent identification in public places are prohibited. The legislation also bans forcing someone to cover their face on the basis of gender, religion, age or origin.
Rights groups have long criticised such restrictions, arguing that while they are often presented as measures concerning security or identification, they can also undermine women’s rights by dictating what women are permitted to wear.
Seguro acknowledged that the legislation dealt with a matter of āgreat social and cultural sensitivityā.
Those found violating the law could face fines ranging from 150 to 3,000 euros, or approximately $170 to $3,500.
However, the legislation provides several exemptions, including for health, professional and artistic purposes, as well as weather-related reasons. Face coverings will also remain permitted inside places of worship and diplomatic missions and while travelling on aircraft.
