Portugal bans burqas and niqabs in public places; for breaking the rule, one will have to pay fine of…

New Delhi: The Portuguese Parliament passed a new law on Friday, October 18, prohibiting the wearing of burqas and niqabs in public. This bill was introduced by the right-wing party Chega.

How much fine for wearing a burqa?

According to this law, anyone wearing a burqa or niqab in public places could face a fine of 200 to 4,000 euros ($234-$4,670) or Rs 20,000 to Rs 4 lakh. Furthermore, anyone attempting to force someone to wear a burqa could face up to three years in prison.

If the bill becomes a law, it would put Portugal alongside European countries, including France, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands, which already have full or partial bans.

Where is a burqa permitted?

However, wearing burqas will be permitted on aeroplanes, in religious places, and in embassies. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has yet to sign the bill, which he can block or refer to court for investigation.

During the parliamentary debate, some left-wing female MPs opposed the rule and argued with Andre Ventura, leader of the Chega party, but with the support of other right-wing parties, the bill was passed.

Andreia Neto, a ruling party MP, said, “This rule is for equality between men and women. No one should be forced to cover their faces.”

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