The Portuguese Parliament approved, in a final vote this Friday (17), the text that prohibits covering the face completely in public spaces. The measure, often called “burqa law"It is not yet in force and now goes to the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, who may promulgate the decree, veto it, or request review by the Constitutional Court."
The proposal originated from Chega and received favorable votes from PSD, Liberal Initiative, and CDS. On the left, PS, Livre, Bloco de Esquerda, PCP, and JPP voted against, while PAN abstained.
The text stipulates fines ranging from 150 to 750 euros for negligence and from 400 to 3.000 euros for intentional misconduct. Enforcement will be the responsibility of the municipal councils.
Proponents of the measure argue that the ban is related to public safety and the need to identify individuals, and not directly to religious issues. The text also establishes exceptions for certain situations provided for in the legislation.
The proposal, however, faces legal criticism. The Bar Association and the Public Prosecutor's Office have issued opinions opposing the legislation and raised doubts about its compatibility with the law. Portuguese Constitution.
Italy is also discussing restrictions.
In Italy, the debate stems from a different legal situation. A 1975 law already restricts the use, without justified reason, of helmets or other means capable of hindering the identification of a person in public places or places open to the public.
The new projects presented in Italian Parliament They intend to make these restrictions more explicit and tighten the rules, including regarding clothing that fully covers the face for religious or cultural reasons.
The Fratelli d'Italia party, of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has presented a proposal that aims to prohibit the wearing of face-covering clothing in public places, offices, schools, and universities.
The text stipulates fines that can reach 3.000 euros and is part of a package of measures presented by the party against so-called "Islamic separatism." The initiative also addresses issues related to the financing of places of worship.
Another project was presented by the Lega to the Italian Senate in March 2026. The proposal, signed by the Vice-President of the Senate. Gian Marco CentinaioIt aims to toughen existing legislation and create the crime of coercing someone to conceal their face.
In this case, the penalty is one to two years in prison, in addition to a fine of 10.000 to 30.000 euros.
In defending the initiative, Centinaio stated that "a woman's freedom also includes the possibility of calmly showing her own face."
The two Italian projects are still under consideration and have not yet been definitively approved by Parliament.
In Portugal, despite the favorable vote in Parliament, the new ban is not yet in effect. The text now depends on the decision of the President of the Republic.
