Portugal Moves to Ban Face Veils in Public Places .. Parliamentary Decision Sparks Controversy
In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, the Portuguese parliament voted yesterday, Friday, October 17, 2025, to give initial approval to a bill that prohibits face covering in public places, effectively targeting the wearing of the niqab, despite its rarity among Muslim women in the country.
The bill was proposed by the far-right "Chega" party, which has seen a notable rise to become the second largest political force in Portugal, following the legislative elections held last May.
The law received 60 votes from "Chega" deputies, in addition to support from the center-right governing coalition and several liberal parties, which tipped the balance in favor of approving the law at this initial stage.
In contrast, leftist parties and the communist bloc voted against the proposal, arguing that it targets a specific segment of society and infringes on religious and personal freedoms.
Despite the controversy, Muslim officials in Portugal pointed out that the niqab is not widely prevalent among Muslim women in the country, but it remains a "tradition" that some women are keen to uphold.
If enacted, the law is expected to provoke a wide-ranging political and societal debate, especially in light of the rising voices opposing restrictions on religious freedoms in Europe.
