Portugal has banned face coverings such as burqas and niqabs in public places. The law, introduced by the far-right party, carries a fine of up to 4,000 euros. This bill is still awaiting the approval of the President.
Lisbon: Portugal has banned clothing covering the face, including the burqa, in public places. This ban will apply to any clothing worn for gender or religious reasons. The Parliament of Portugal has approved a law which also has a provision for charging heavy fines from those wearing such clothes. The bill was introduced in Parliament by the far-right party Chega. Under this ban, outfits like burqa, which covers the entire body from head to toe, and niqab, which covers the entire face except the area around the eyes, will be banned in most public places. However, face coverings will be allowed on airplanes, embassies and places of worship. According to the new law, a fine of up to 4000 euros (about Rs 4,11,588) can be imposed on those who cover their faces in public places.
Leftists allege – foreigners of different religions are targeted
This bill is yet to be approved by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The President has the power to veto the bill or refer it to the Constitutional Court for review. If the President signs this law, Portugal will also join the list of European countries like Austria, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, where hijab is completely or partially banned. Although the number of women wearing niqab in Portugal is less, but like other European countries, there have been controversies regarding Islamic hijab. Chega Party has also given the same arguments which France and other European Union countries gave to ban the hijab of Muslim women. This bill of the radical-right party Chega also got the support of center-right parties.
Chega Party explained that covering the face in public places makes people, especially women, feel inferior and lonely. The bill also says that it is against principles like freedom, equality and human dignity. Left parties did not support this bill. Leftist leaders say that this bill is meant to target foreigners following different religions. She also said that no woman wears hijab under anyone’s pressure. This decision of Portugal has come in the same week when the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden had demanded a ban on the burqa.