Portugal bans full-face veils

Portugal has passed a law banning the full-face veil in public. The law, approved by the president and backed by right-wing parties, aims to restrict the wearing of full-face veils, mainly by Muslim women.

The text of the law states that "the face must be considered a central element of human identity and communication." The document, dubbed the "burqa law" by local media, was passed by parliament in July. It was supported by the ruling right-wing coalition and right-wing parties, while left-wing parties opposed it.

The new law prohibits the wearing of clothing that covers the face or hinders identification in public. It also prohibits forcing a person to cover their face because of their gender, religion, age or origin.

Human rights activists say such bans restrict women's freedom of dress and violate their rights. President Seguro acknowledged that the issue is socially and culturally sensitive.

Violators face fines of between 150 and 3,000 euros (about $170 to $3,500). However, there are exceptions for health, professional, creative reasons or weather conditions. It is also allowed to cover the face in places of worship, diplomatic missions and on airplanes.

It was previously reported that girls under the age of 14 in Austrian schools were banned from wearing the headscarf.