Burqa ban bill approved by Portugal’s parliament seen as targeting Muslim women

Portugal's parliament has approved a contentious bill that would ban face veils in public places, sparking concerns it unfairly targets Muslim women who wear these garments. The legislation, proposed by the far-right Chega party, prohibits coverings like burqas and niqabs from being worn in most public areas, except for airplanes, diplomatic premises, and houses of worship.

The bill's supporters cite the rationale behind similar bans in other European countries, such as France and Austria, arguing that face coverings subject individuals to situations of exclusion and inferiority. However, lawmakers from left-leaning parties have criticized the measure as a thinly veiled attempt to target foreigners with different faiths.

Critics argue that no woman should be forced to wear a veil, but the approach taken by Chega is seen as misguided. In fact, few women in Portugal wear face coverings, and the bill's supporters acknowledge this disparity. Nevertheless, the proposal has sparked controversy, highlighting tensions between cultural diversity and national identity.

Under the bill, those wearing face veils in public could face fines ranging from €200 to €4,000 (approximately £175 to £3,475). However, the final approval of the bill rests with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who may veto it or send it for review by the constitutional court.

If signed into law, Portugal would join a growing list of European countries that have implemented full or partial bans on face and head coverings. The decision has raised questions about the limits of free expression and the role of government in regulating personal choice. As one lawmaker from the center-left Socialist party noted, "This initiative is used solely to target foreigners, those who have a different faith."

This ban is like, totally unfair . I mean, people wear face veils for cultural reasons and it's not just about being foreign or Muslim. It's like the government is trying to control every single aspect of our lives and it's not okay. And €4k fine? That's crazy! What if someone's grandma makes them wear one as a kid, but they don't want to anymore as an adult? It's all about freedom of choice, you know?

And have you seen Portugal lately? They're like super chill and welcoming . I'm surprised the parliament would do something so discriminatory. I think it's time for President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to reconsider this whole thing . We should be celebrating diversity, not trying to erase it.

omg u guys i'm literally shaking my head over this news 🊹 like seriously cant we just coexist? its all about free expression and personal choice, but at the same time, theres no clear evidence that these face veils are actually causing any issues in public places lol. its so unfair to target muslim women specifically, they have just as much right to wear whatever makes them comfortable.

i mean think about it, if u go to france or austria and u dont like their rules, just take a trip somewhere else . but noooo, this is portugal we're talking about, where everyone should be treated equally. its not about cultural diversity being threatened or whatever, its just basic human rights.

and lets not even get started on the fines €200 to €4k? that's like taking away a person's livelihood just for wearing a scarf . i dont know what kind of power struggle is going on in this parliament, but its getting old.

Ugh, can't believe they're doing this . It's like, if someone wants to wear a face veil, that's their choice, you know? And it's not like it's hurting anyone else. They're just trying to control what people wear and how we express ourselves. I mean, I get that cultural diversity is important and all, but this bill is so discriminatory. The fine range of €200 to €4,000 is pretty steep too . It's like they're punishing people for who they are. And yeah, Portugal already has laws against hate speech and racism, so it feels like there's a double standard going on . I'm all for freedom of expression, even if it means we have to deal with some uncomfortable conversations .

OMG, this bill is like soooo problematic ! I get that we need to protect everyone's rights and freedom of expression, but banning face veils in public places just feels like discrimination . Like, I know not many women in Portugal wear them, but still it's not right to single out a certain group of people for their cultural practice. And what about if someone wants to wear one just because they're feeling extra confident and empowered today ? It's like, we should be celebrating our differences, not trying to hide them . Can't we just coexist peacefully and respect each other's choices?

idk why ppl think its cool 2 ban face veils 4 no reason its like, whats next? banning hijabs or kimonos cuz they dont fit ur culture? the bill is super discriminatory & targets specific groups. doesnt matter if few women in portugal wear veils, thats not the point. the point is equality & freedom of expression! what's good about forcing ppl 2 show their faces just bcos of politics?

I'm so over these blanket bans on face veils! Like, if people wanna wear 'em, they should be able to without some politician deciding what's best for them. And the argument that it's about national identity? Give me a break . We're living in a society where everyone's supposed to get along and respect each other's differences, but at the same time we can't even agree on something as simple as face coverings?

And don't even get me started on the fines – €200 to €4,000? Like, who gets fined that much for wearing a scarf . It feels like some people just want an excuse to police others' fashion choices and impose their own brand of "normalcy". Can we please focus on creating inclusive spaces where everyone can feel comfortable and express themselves without fear of judgment?

The fact that this bill has sparked controversy and questions about free expression is a good thing . It means we're having some real conversations about what it means to be a free society, but at the same time... I'm still not sure if this is the right approach . Can't we just try to find common ground and respect each other's differences instead of trying to dictate what others can or can't wear?