PREVIEW

Portugal Enacts 'Burqa Law' Banning Face Coverings In Public Spaces. Portugal has enacted a law banning face coverings in public spaces, a measure widely seen as targeting Muslim women who wear full-face veils. President António José Seguro said the face should be considered a central element of human identity and communication. The legislation, dubbed the "burqa law" by local media, was approved by parliament in July with support from right-wing and far-right parties. The law prohibits clothing designed to conceal the face or prevent identification in public spaces. Violations can result in fines ranging from €150 to €3,000, depending on the circumstances. Exemptions apply for health, professional, artistic or weather-related reasons, as well as in places of worship, diplomatic missions and on aircraft, Left-wing parties opposed the legislation, warning that it could fuel Islamophobia and questioning its justification on security and women's rights grounds. Several Portuguese legal bodies also raised concerns about the proposal, including questions over its potential constitutionality.
Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT