Law Prohibits Face Covering in Public
Legislation originated with Chega party and passed in July.
PSD revised law to focus on security, overriding opposition from Socialist Party, Left Bloc, and Portuguese Communist Party.
Fines of 150–3,000 euros apply; exemptions for health/professional needs.
Forcing someone to cover face carries up to 3-year prison sentence.
Amnesty International Portugal called law discriminatory, citing threats to Muslim women's rights.
Portugal joins France, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands in similar bans.
4 days ago