The Portuguese parliament, at the committee stage, approved a bill banning face coverings in public places, a step justified by the government on grounds of public security and facilitating identification of individuals, while the bill still needs to complete its legislative stages before coming into force.

The bill was supported by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Chega, Liberal Initiative (IL), and CDS, while left-wing parties opposed it, arguing that the law could impose restrictions on personal and religious freedoms.

From 'Burka Law' to Public Security: Chega initially submitted the proposal under the name 'Burka Law,' before the Social Democratic Party amended its wording to become a general law banning face coverings in public places for reasons of security and public order, without explicitly referring to the niqab, burqa, or any specific religious attire.

Fines Instead of Prison: The amended version replaced the prison sentences stipulated in the initial proposal with administrative penalties, including fines for violators, as part of an approach aimed at implementing the law as a regulatory measure rather than a punitive one.

Political Division: Proponents of the bill argue that banning face coverings contributes to enhancing public safety and makes it easier for authorities to identify individuals in public places, while opponents maintain that the law could limit certain individual freedoms, even though its text does not directly target any religious group.

The bill still needs to complete the legislative procedures within the Portuguese parliament before it is finally approved and enters into force.