In Portugal, there’s a growing sentiment that Islam does not belong in Europe, despite objections from some residents. President António José Seguro has enacted a law prohibiting face coverings in public, commonly referred to as the “burka law.” According to the U.K.-based GB News, this legislation was introduced in Lisbon in July with support from a right-wing government coalition.
The new regulation imposes fines between 150 and 3,000 Euros for wearing clothing that conceals or obstructs the face in public. Additionally, compelling someone to cover their face could lead to a prison sentence of up to three years. However, there are exceptions for professional, health, artistic, advertising, or entertainment purposes.
This ban does not apply to individuals on aircraft, during diplomatic or consular visits, allowing officials from Islamic countries visiting Portugal to be exempt. It also does not affect places of worship like mosques or other holy sites.
João Godinho Martins, Executive Director of Amnesty International in Portugal, has condemned the law as a “threat to human rights.” He argues that although explicit mentions of Islam were removed in revisions, the law still infringes on the rights of Muslim women who choose to cover their faces, threatening their freedom of expression and religion.
Martins asserts that no authority should dictate a woman’s attire, and penalizing women for their faith or cultural identity is unjust. He warns that rather than advancing women’s rights, the law may lead to further marginalization, social isolation, and challenges in accessing education, employment, and public services for those who wear full-face veils.
This situation highlights the complex interplay between Islam and women’s rights. In Islam, veiling is not optional; it is a requirement. Quran 33:59 states, “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks [veils] all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed.” The website The Religion of Peace explains that “annoyed” in this context is more accurately translated as “hurt” or “harmed,” suggesting that women should cover themselves to avoid harm.
The U.K.-based Express notes that 24 other countries, including the Netherlands, Norway, France, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium, have also banned the burka.
Is there a need for similar legislation in the United States? Such measures could address concerns about the increasing Islamic population. Some Americans mistakenly believe Muslims aim to assimilate and adopt American values, but the reality is that their primary allegiance is to the Quran and their prophet.
Many Muslims prefer to remain within their own communities, disregarding American cultural norms, expectations, and laws.
This article originally appeared on The Western Journal.
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