24/07/2026
On July 17, 2026, the Portuguese Parliament approved a bill prohibiting items that conceal the face in public spaces.
The text was passed in a final overall vote by a right-leaning majority (comprising the PSD, Chega, IL, and CDS) while left-wing parties voted against it. Originally initiated by the far-right Chega party, the bill was amended through negotiations with the PSD to shift the focus toward public safety and security, removing explicit references to religious attire.
The legislation targets any clothing or accessory that conceals the face from forehead to chin, preventing visual identification. Violators face fines ranging from €150 to €3,000, with exemptions allowed for health, professional, or safety reasons.
Supporters argue the law is essential for public security and integration, whereas human rights organizations and opposition parties maintain it disproportionately affects Muslim women and compromises freedom of expression.
The text now awaits final action from the President, who can sign it into law, exercise a veto, or refer it to the Constitutional Court for review.
✍️ Sabrina Viveiros
