Portugal - October 2025

On 17 October, Parliament approved a bill prohibiting face coverings in public for 'gender or religious' reasons, with exceptions for places of worship, airports and diplomatic premises, and for health, professional or artistic purposes. Proposed by the right-wing Chega party under the rationale of protecting women’s rights and ‘cultural preservation’, the law will effectively restrict the wearing of burqas and niqabs, which are worn by some Muslim women for religious reasons. Violations will carry fines of up to EUR 4,000 and forcing someone to cover her face may result in up to three years’ imprisonment. Rights groups have expressed concerns that the bill will disproportionately impact a minority of Muslim women. The law is now pending a review by the Parliament’s Constitutional Affairs Committee, which may introduce amendments. Following the review, it will proceed for a final parliamentary vote before being sent to President Rebelo de Sousa for potential ratification, a decision for which he will have 20 days. 

Sources: Associated Press, Euronews, Público, EFE, The Resident