Portugal's new face-covering ban sparks fear and backlash among Muslim women

Portugal's parliament passed a law that bans face coverings, including the niqab and burqa, with fines ranging from €150 to €750 for first offences and higher penalties for repeat violations. The bill, championed by Chega leader Andre Ventura, was approved by 160 votes and framed as a measure for women's freedom and public security. Muslim convert Sofia Oliveira describes being verbally and physically harassed in a market and says the law legitimises such attacks, undermining her right to choose religious attire.

Amnesty International and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights have condemned the ban as a breach of constitutional religious freedom. The Central Mosque of Lisbon has not officially backed the petition Oliveira started, which has collected roughly 1,400 signatures, far short of the 7,500 needed to trigger parliamentary review. The controversy highlights growing Islamophobia in Europe and raises questions about the balance between security rhetoric and minority rights.