Portugal's President António José Seguro has enacted a law that largely bans covering one's face in public, a measure widely seen as targeting garments such as the burqa worn by some Muslim women. The move follows similar restrictions already in place in several other European countries and reflects an ongoing debate across the continent over religious dress, public security and integration.

The law includes a number of exemptions, permitting face coverings for health, professional, artistic or weather-related reasons, as well as in places of worship, diplomatic missions and on aircraft. Those found in breach of the ban face fines ranging from 150 to 3,000 euros, roughly $175 to $3,500.