Portugal’s Face Veil Ban: A Sovereign Stand or a Sign of European Overreach?

In a decision that spotlights the growing tensions across Europe surrounding cultural integration and national identity, Portugal’s parliament has approved a bill that bans full-face veils worn for “gender or religious” reasons in public spaces. While this legislation targets Muslim women who wear burqas and niqabs—a move championed by the far-right Chega party—it raises critical questions about balancing security, cultural cohesion, and the freedom so central to Western democracies. Is This a Necessary Measure or a Step Too Far Against Individual Liberty? The bill imposes fines ranging from €200 to €4,000 for those in violation, signaling a tough stance on...