News|GovernmentPortugal’s parliament approves far-right party’s bill to ban face veilsIf bill is signed into law, Portugal would join several European countries which already have full or partial bans.

Regulation: Portugal's Proposed Ban on Face Veils

Portugal's parliament has approved a bill to ban face veils used for gender or religious reasons in most public spaces. This legislation, initiated by the Chega party, targets coverings such as burqas and niqabs worn by Muslim women.

Fines for wearing face veils in public range from 200 to 4,000 euros ($234-$4,670). Forcing someone to wear a face veil could result in prison sentences of up to three years. Exceptions are made for aeroplanes, diplomatic premises, and places of worship.

The bill will be reviewed by the parliamentary committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees, which handles legislation concerning constitutional matters.

If enacted, Portugal would join other European nations, such as France, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands, in implementing full or partial bans on face veils. The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, retains the authority to veto the bill or refer it to the Constitutional Court for further examination.

The bill passed with support from the centre-right coalition, despite opposition from several female lawmakers of left-wing parties. During the session, Chega leader Andre Ventura emphasized the bill's role in protecting women's rights. In contrast, Andreia Neto from the Social Democratic Party framed the debate as an issue of gender equality, stating that no woman should be compelled to cover her face.

The People-Animals-Nature party and the Together for the People party abstained from the vote, expressing concerns about potential discrimination. While only a minority of Muslim women in Europe cover their faces, the topic remains contentious, with debates centered around gender discrimination and security concerns.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.