Fined 4.6 Million Won for Covering Your Face in Public... What Is Happening in Portugal?

Ban on Face Coverings in Public Places
Exemptions Allowed for Health and Occupational Reasons

A law prohibiting face coverings in public places has come into effect in Portugal. Violators may face fines of up to 3,000 euros (approximately 4.6 million won).

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'Burqa Law' Enforced... Fines for Covering One's Face in Public

According to Portuguese daily Diario de Noticias and other sources on September 23 (local time), the so-called "burqa law," which bans face coverings in public places, officially entered into force that day. Except for cases involving health reasons or other specified exemptions, wearing attire that covers the face in public may result in a fine of up to 3,000 euros.

The law also stipulates that anyone who forces another person to cover their face may be subject to up to two years of imprisonment or a fine equivalent to a maximum of 240 days. If the victim is a minor, the penalty is increased by one third.

Public places as defined by the law include roads, areas open to the general public, public service facilities, and service locations ordinarily used by citizens. Aircraft, diplomatic and consular facilities, and sacred spaces such as places of worship are excluded from the scope of this law.

Exemptions are also granted when there is a need to cover one's face for health, occupational, artistic, advertising activities, safety, or weather-related reasons. Covering the face as mandated under other laws is likewise not prohibited.

Heated Debate in Parliament

Earlier, the Portuguese Parliament saw intense debate over this bill. Andre Ventura, leader of the far-right party Chega, stated during a parliamentary discussion in October last year that the bill's aim was to prevent women in Portugal from wearing the burqa, which is a traditional Islamic garment. Although the bill does not specifically mention the burqa, this background has led locals to call it the "burqa law."

Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro emphasized that revealing one's face is important for mutual recognition and social trust among people. He also argued that the custom of requiring only women to cover their faces contradicts the equal dignity of men and women.

In contrast, left-wing parties such as the Socialist Party, Livre, and the Communist Party opposed the bill, arguing that it could foster prejudice and hatred against Muslims. The Portuguese Bar Association, the Supreme Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Women's Bar Association also expressed negative views about the bill, with concerns raised over its potential unconstitutionality.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.