European nation, Portugal has signed into law a controversial ban on face coverings in public spaces, triggering fresh concerns over religious freedom and discrimination against Muslim women.
The law makes it illegal to wear clothing or other items intended to hide a person’s face or make identification difficult in public places.
Supporters of the measure have argued that being able to see a person’s face is important for communication and identification. Seguro also defended the legislation on social and cultural grounds.
In a statement issued during the week, the president said the face is “a central element of human identity and communication,” stressing its importance in everyday interactions.
However, critics have described the legislation as a direct attack on Muslim women who wear the niqab or burqa.
The Portuguese Socialist Party (PS), Livre and the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) voted against the measure.
They warned that the restrictions could deepen prejudice against Muslims and encourage Islamophobia.
The PS accused lawmakers behind the legislation of pursuing what it called an “Islamophobic purpose.”
Meanwhile, the PCP rejected the argument that the law was designed to protect women or improve public safety.
The party said it was instead likely to increase hostility towards minority communities.
Livre went further, accusing the right-wing coalition and far-right parties that supported the bill of creating a “moral panic” around what it described as a supposed Islamic threat.
Under the new rules, anyone who breaches the ban could be fined between €150 and €3,000, depending on the circumstances.
The legislation, however, does not impose an absolute ban on face coverings. Exceptions have been provided for medical and health reasons, professional duties, artistic activities and protection against weather conditions.
Face coverings will also remain permitted inside places of worship, diplomatic missions and aircraft.
The debate has placed Portugal alongside several other European countries that have adopted restrictions on concealing the face in public.
Still, the Portuguese law has drawn particular attention because of its potential effect on Muslim women who wear full-face veils for religious reasons.
Opponents argue that a law presented as a measure for identification and public communication could have wider consequences for religious minorities.
Seguro acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the issue, describing it as a matter of significant social and cultural importance.
The controversy is therefore unlikely to end with the president’s approval. While supporters see the new law as a measure aimed at identification and interpersonal communication, critics fear it could reinforce discrimination against Portugal’s Muslim population.
Credit: naijametro.com.ng
