The President of the Republic, António José Seguro, has promulgated legislation restricting the concealment of the face in public spaces, commonly referred to as the “burqa law.”

In a statement, Belém Palace acknowledged that the legislation concerns “a matter of great social and cultural sensitivity” in which it is extremely difficult to balance competing rights and responsibilities.

Nevertheless, the President decided to promulgate the decree after considering the amendments introduced during the parliamentary process.

The legislation establishes rules concerning facial visibility and identification in public places. Although widely described as a ban on burqas, it applies more broadly to the concealment of the face and provides for certain exceptions.

Parliament approved the final text on the 17th of July with votes from the PSD, Chega, Liberal Initiative and CDS-PP. All parties on the parliamentary left voted against it, while PAN’s sole deputy abstained.

Madeira MP launches fierce attack on Islam

Madeira’s Chega MP Francisco Gomes welcomed the measure while making a series of strongly worded claims about Islam and immigration.

Gomes argued that Portugal faces what he described as “uncontrolled immigration” and claimed that Islam is incompatible with Western values and Portuguese society.

He accused some Islamic communities of having no interest in integration and instead seeking to impose their own beliefs, customs and laws, which he believes to be predatory and aggressive, citing events in several European, African and Asian countries in support of his position.

His remarks represent the views of the Chega parliamentarian and contain sweeping allegations about Muslims and the Islamic faith. No evidence supporting his claims about the intentions of Madeira’s Islamic community was presented in the statement.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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