Portugal has moved to ban burqas used for “gender or religious motives,” and fines for not abiding by the rules are steep.

“If signed into law,” the bill, which was proposed by the Chega party, means face veils will not be allowed in most public spaces, Reuters reported on Friday, noting that veils will be allowed in airplanes, diplomatic premises, and places of worship.

The outlet said France, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands have full or partial bans in place. It also explained, “President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa could still veto the bill or send it to the Constitutional Court for checks.”

Britannica defines the burqa (or burka) as an outer garment primarily worn by Muslim women that covers their entire body and face. The wearer can only see through a mesh panel that covers t

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